The last 14 days have been an unbelievable journey and I am happy to announce I earned my 2013 LPGA Tour Card by competing in qualifying school last week!

First and foremost— I want to thank so many people. The list would be endless because there have been an incredible amount of people who have offered support, guidance and belief throughout the 17 years of my golfing life. Your efforts do not go unnoticed and I always know at the end of any event there is a long list of people who make up ‘team Kayla’ that afford me the opportunity to do what I love.

And now, starting in 2013, I have the opportunity I have dreamed of since I was 5- years-old.

In order to earn my tour card I had to play in a three stage qualifying tournament process hosted by the LPGA. The third and final stage was completed on Sunday, Dec. 2. This particular event was a total of 5 rounds of golf with a cut after the 4^th round.

The tournament didn’t start of smooth sailing. Round 1- played on Wednesday was cold and extremely windy. Two swings cost me more than I ever could have imagined that day. Those unfortunate events resulted in shooting a 79 and in a tie for 110^th place. That was not the start I was looking for and was very disappointed with the result of the day.

But I bounced back the following day shooting a 69- 10 shots better than the day before. That drastic swing moved my position down to a tie for 54^th. The third round I shot another 69 that catapulted me down to a tie for 24^th.  The fourth round was a solid day, I just didn’t see a lot of putts go in the hole which resulted in a 72. After four rounds I was now in a tie for 39^th place.

Keep in mind, those who finished in 1-20^th place earned their full card for the LPGA tour. Those finishing in 21-45 and ties earned a conditional status card.

The fifth and final round began at 7:54 am off the 10^th tee of Champions. I was solely focused on hitting one shot at a time. And the conditions were perfect for the first 9 holes as I went out in 3 under. I kept the hot putter and good shots coming on my back 9 to come home in 2 under for a total of 5 under, 67.

Upon finishing, the media approached to do an interview as well as inform me that I had leapfrogged into a tie for 11^th position and earned my full status for the 2013 LPGA season.

I was in total shock and pure excitement that my dreams were coming true. I think I still need a few more days for it all to sink in at this very accomplishment. No words will ever be able to express the gratitude I feel for you all other than to practice hard and enjoy my rookie season. I hope you all stay along for the journey because I’ve enjoyed having you all by my side!