By Matt Smith
Golf Digest Middle East caught up with Dubai-raised Amelia McKee, who took part in the Ladies European Tour Aramco Team Series —New York event pro-am at Ferry Point courtesy of Golf Saudi, and played alongside US Solheim Cup 2023 vice-captain Natalie Gulbis, who famously won the Evian Championship in 2007.

McKee aims to secure her LPGA card for 2023 in Q-School this autumn — following her decision to turn professional this summer. The 22-year-old graduated from New Mexico State University this summer as part of their famed ‘Aggies’ golf team.

Following her safe negotiation of Q-School 1 in August, she is a step closer to achieving her life-long dream of teeing it up with the best in the game on the LPGA.

Now ahead of Q2, thanks to an invitation from Golf Saudi, she took part in the pro-am at Ferry Point, New York, as the LET season reaches its climax.

“It was great! I got to play with Natalie, who was unbelievably nice,” Amelia told Golf Digest Middle East. “It was a great experience, and I learned a lot from her about ‘how to make it’. It’s was surreal to be inside the ropes, with someone I grew up watching. She is one of the two players that every female golfer my age had a fascination with.

I got to see Lexi, and snap a pic with her as she was coming off the range. I’m not sure if she remembers me really but I spent some time with her years ago living in Dubai. I got to watch countless other amazing players warm up, and managed to hang out with the likes of Nelly Korda, Laura Davis and Anna Nordqvist.

“I did my best to work some networking skills and I hope I have made some great contacts — all thanks to Golf Saudi of course. I would have never had this chance without them.

“Overall it was a really great day. One that I will never forget. I ended it with a trip to Brooklyn bridge. Tomorrow I head home, away from the busy city and back to my chickens and goats in  Texas!”

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