Since being branded the next Australian women’s golf superstar, reality has not matched expectation for Sydney’s Sarah Kemp.
On Thursday the 26-year-old gave a glimpse of her talent when she claimed a share of the lead after the first round of the Women’s Australian Open at Royal Melbourne.
Kemp shared the first round lead with American Stacy Lewis after firing a four-under 69.
The duo led by a shot from a group of three players – including defending champion and world No.1 Yani Tseng, who bogeyed the final hole.
But Kemp’s challenge since turning professional has been the same as it will be this week – four consistent low rounds.
Kemp was Australia’s leading amateur but the transition to the pro ranks did not prove as effortless as it did for the woman she was expected to succeed – former world No.1 Karrie Webb.
She said she had been “absolutely” frustrated in the past three years as she battled to match the hopes placed on her shoulders.
“When I had a really good amateur career and I won everything Webbie did when she was young, I was branded the next Webbie,” Kemp said.
“I played two years in Europe and then I got my (LPGA) card at the first go in Q-school.
“It was a little bit frustrating but Webbie’s kind of one in a million.
“That kind of career is pretty spectacular. If I could have a quarter of that you’d be stoked,” she said.
“I’d say that my best years are yet to come.”
Kemp said she needed to bring a sameness to her preparation to try to add consistency.
“That’s something that’s my goal this year, to put four really good rounds together,” Kemp said.
“Over the last couple of years I’ve been able to put two and three together.
“Last year I’d do something on Thursday and something a bit different in my preparation on Friday or Saturday.
“If I can just keep it the same each day and do the same practice, the same amount of balls and stick to the same things I think that will bring out more consistency in my game.”
Kemp nominated an approach shot at the par four seventh which led to a birdie as her shot of the day and, while she had a bogey-free round, said she missed one or two opportunities.
“I didn’t have a bogey but I felt like I had a bogey,” she said.
“I had a three-footer on eight for birdie and I missed it.
“There were no really good saves, it was just pretty solid … hit the fairway, hit the green.”
Webb, meanwhile, finished two over the card and six off the pace but was not too disappointed, saying she saw some “positive signs out there” after making swing changes late last year.
