Meghan MacLaren has ended her impressive amateur career to turn professional ahead of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters. The 22-year-old makes the transition after capping an outstanding amateur career with an historic 2016 that saw her gain the winning point at this year’s Curtis Cup, win a gold medal for England at the European Team Championships and claim victory at the Santander Golf Tour LETAS La Peñaza on the LET Access Series.
MacLaren contributed three points in Great Britain and Ireland’s Curtis Cup victory against the United States at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club in September, only the second time in 10 years that Great Britain and Ireland have won the prestigious match play tournament. She also helped England secure gold at the European Team Championships the first time since 1993.
“This year has had some moments that I’ll never forget. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to my amateur career, but hopefully it is only the beginning of things to come.
“There are always lows to go alongside the highs and ultimately there is no rulebook to tell you if you are ready or not for professional golf. But if you want to compete at the highest level you have to keep challenging yourself, and I am excited to have the opportunity to do that. I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey so far.”
Following Dubai, Meghan will set her sights on the final stage of the Ladies European Tour qualifying school in Morocco during December.
Meghan MacLaren: Fact File
Age: 22
Home Club: Wellingborough Golf Club
University: Florida International University
Major Achievements:
October 2016 Winner Santander Golf Tour LETAS La Peñaza on the LET Access Series
Victorious Great Britain and Ireland 2016 Curtis Cup
Gold Medal Winner England European Team Champions 2016
2016 – 2012 Eight time winner US NCAA College
2016 – 2013 Three time Conference Champion
2014 British Strokeplay Champion
2013 Irish Open Strokeplay Champion
2012 French U18 International Champion