Teen golf star Stephanie Kyriacou says she's leaning towards turning professional before this week's NSW Open to capitalise on her stunning Australian Ladies Classic triumph.
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The 19-year-old Sydneysider earned a two-year exemption on the Ladies European Tour when she distanced a field of professionals at Bonville to win by eight shots at 22-under par.
That guarantee of future starts is likely to fast-track a move into the pro ranks before the first round of the NSW Open in Dubbo on Thursday.
"I've got another event this week (NSW Open) that I could play as a pro, so I kind of have to decide in the next 48 hours," Kyriacou told RSN.
"I was kind of hoping to turn pro at the end of this year anyway.
"I'm still weighing up my options but I'm leaning towards that way.
"I think I'm ready.
"I've just won an event so hopefully that gives me great confidence."
Unable to collect the $59,000 prize money on offer at Bonville due to her amateur status, Kyriacou said she doesn't think she'll feel undue pressure of playing for money.
"I do a lot of punting with my friends at my home golf course, and I play good when I play for money, so hopefully that continues in the future," she said.
Kyriacou's father Nick served as her caddie for the Ladies Classic win, and she revealed she imposed strict rules.
"He was good. Sometimes we bicker a bit in practice but that's what happens with everyone," she said.
"He was really good this week.
"I gave him set rules he had to follow or else he would be sacked, 'Don't talk, don't give me advice'.
"He did well, good caddie."
Australian Associated Press
