Many of today’s athletes begin forming their talents at a young age, and female golfers are no exception to the rule. Though golf is a relatively young sport in America, here are a few famous golfers that were able to get their start early in life.

Annika Sorenstam: Considered one of the best female golfers of all time, Sorenstam wowed her competitors for 15 years before retiring at the end of the 2008 season. An athletic child, she began participating in golf at the age of twelve. She was talented from the beginning, and quickly gained steam. She turned pro in 1993 and began her climb as one of the most successful career golfers of all time. Between 2001 and 2005, she was the money leader, low scorer, and Player of the Year each year. Injuries and fatigue eventually took over and her success dropped off respectably. (photo: wiki)

Michelle Wie: Currently one of the hottest commodities on the golf course, Michelle Wie has set many records in her young career. Wie began playing golf at age four, became the youngest player to qualify for the USGA amateur championship at ten, and set a record as the youngest player to play her way into an LPGA event at twelve years and four months. At age 15, Wie turned professional and signed contracts with Nike and Sony worth more than $10 million a year. Due to her early success, she has often been criticized for an overly confident and almost cocky attitude. Wie has become not only a famous and respected golfer, but also one of the most popular and attractive female athletes of our time. Her style of ladies golf apparel has been somewhat controversial since the age of 14, but that is also an indication of the changes happening in ladies golf clothing in general.

Lorena Ochoa: Ochoa had one of the earliest starts for a golfer; she began golfing at age 5, won her first local event at age 6, and won her first national event at age 7. As a precocious eleven-year-old, she approached professional golfer, Rafael Alarcon, and asked him to help her with her game because she wanted to be the best player in the world. Starting at a young age seems to have paid off for Ochoa, and in 2003 she was presented with the Nancy Lopez Award, which is given to the world’s most outstanding female amateur golfer. Contrary to the disposition of most young athletes and stars, Ochoa has a reputation for being one of the most genuinely nice and humble people you could ever meet. (Photo: LorenaOchoa.com)

Nancy Lopez: The only woman to win the Vare Trophy, Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season, Nancy Lopez is considered one of the best women golfers of all time. She began golfing at age 8, and won nine tournaments in her first full season at age 21. She has her own retail company, Nancy Lopez Golf, which produces ladies golf accessories and clubs.

Thanks to Amanda from Tracey Lynn Golf for this guest post!