Smith Rynbrandt signs Katherine Hull
Anyone will tell you that it takes talent, confidence and determination to be a PGA star. But add beauty, grace and joy, and you’ve narrowed the field, and maybe just to one: LPGA star, Katherine Hull. This unique young woman is truly inspirational. Her zeal for life, positive attitude, and love for people make her one of the LPGA Tour’s greatest ambassadors.
NEWS
Katherine Finishes #1 in Australia's ANZ Ladies Masters - 2/2009
Katherine’s Story
Katherine Hull moved from Australia to attend Pepperdine University where she became the 2003 NCAA College Player of the Year. She was immediately successful, winning two Futures Tour Events, in that same year, to obtain exempt status on the LPGA Tour.
In 2004 and 2005, Katherine struggled to find her form and realize the potential everyone had predicted. She lived in mediocrity, ranking 69th and 55th on the money list in those two years. Instead of improving in 2006, her game took a turn for the worse. Exempt status slipped away – along with her confidence of a promising career. In her own words: “I hit rock bottom.” Perhaps this was the wake-up call that she needed. She returned to the LPGA Qualifying School and finished tied for seventh to earn her card for the 2007 season.
In 2007 she made 15 out of 24 cuts, but settled back into the same mediocre performances of her earlier seasons. Could it be that Katherine’s game just wasn’t enough for the finest ladies tour in the world? This was the question that would haunt her throughout the 07/08 off-season. Deep down she knew that she had the talent, but what was holding her back? After much contemplation, Katherine realized she had not fully dedicated herself to success.
With a newfound resolve, Katherine hired a different swing coach, a personal trainer, and got very serious about her diet, exercise and practice regimen. As the 2008 season progressed, she began to feel physically stronger and the swing changes began to take effect. But in her mind she was still struggling with her passion for the game. In August, during the first round of the CN Canadian Open, she just felt like walking off the course. Her caddie, John Powell, a tough, strong-willed, competitive athlete from Portland, Oregon, came face-to-face with Katherine and said the words that would forever change her thoughts about why she was playing this game. He said, “If you think I’m ticked at you for not giving it your all, imagine how God feels about you not using the talent that he gave you.” For Katherine, who is deeply spiritual, those words cut her to the core.
After a long night of soul-searching, Katherine arrived the next morning with a renewed spirit. Over the next two days, she played her way into contention. On Sunday, feeling stronger yet, she posted a 69 in a come-from-behind win over Se Ri Pak for her first LPGA Tour victory. Since that momentous weekend in August – when she found the spark and inspiration she had been longing for – Katherine has had numerous top-10 finishes, including a second place finish at the Hana Bank Kolon Championship in Korea. Her final 2008 ranking of 13th on the money list with over $1.4 Million U.S. in earnings established her as a major LPGA force. Now, with a confident swing, physical fitness, and a purpose to compete, Katherine is realizing the potential that so many spoke about in 2003 when she first joined the Tour as the NCAA College Player of the Year. Back then she was a sweet young girl loaded with talent and promise. Now, she is a kind, caring and passionate woman who understands herself and her purpose – still loaded with talent, but with the perspective and commitment to realize this promise. Look out LPGA: Here comes a superstar!
