Emma Talley Bio
Emma Ruth Talley is an American retired professional golfer who played on the LPGA Tour. While playing as an amateur for the University of Alabama, she won the prestigious 2013 U.S. Women’s Amateur by defeating Yueer Cindy Feng. Talley turned professional in 2016 and achieved notable placements in both the Symetra and LPGA tours, including a runner-up finish at the 2021 ISPS Handa World Invitational.
Early Life and Background
Emma Talley was born on March 23, 1994, in Paducah, Kentucky. She is the daughter of Dan and Jennifer Talley and has an older sister, Leigh Anne, and two brothers, Joe Dan and Jackson. Talley grew up in Princeton, Kentucky, where she graduated from Caldwell County High School. During her high school years, she was a standout golfer, winning the Kentucky state girls golf championship three times in 2008, 2010, and 2011.
Path to Golf
Talley played collegiate golf for four years at the University of Alabama. In 2015, she won the NCAA Division I Women’s Championship at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida, finishing one stroke ahead of her competitors. As a junior, she was awarded the Honda Sports Award for golf and was recognized as a four-time Women’s Golf Coaches Association All-America selection, achieving First Team honors in 2015 and 2016.
Emma Talley Career
Early Career (2016-2018)
Emma Talley joined the Symetra Tour in 2016, where she competed in 14 tournaments during her rookie season. She finished in the top-10 in three events, including a runner-up finish at the Fuccillo Kia Championship. In 2018, Talley transitioned to the LPGA Tour, achieving two top-10 finishes in her rookie year, including a seventh-place finish at the Women’s Australian Open.
Breakthrough (2021)
In 2021, Talley had a significant moment in her career when she finished as a runner-up at the ISPS Handa World Invitational. She lost in a playoff to Pajaree Anannarukarn on the second extra hole, marking a highlight in her professional journey.
Notable Works and Milestones
Emma Talley is best known for her victory at the 2013 U.S. Women’s Amateur and her runner-up finish at the 2021 ISPS Handa World Invitational. Throughout her career, she has earned various accolades, including the Honda Sports Award in 2015.
Emma Talley Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Emma Talley has received several nominations and awards, highlighting her achievements in the sport of golf.
Emma Talley Awards Won
Emma Talley has won notable awards, including the Honda Sports Award in 2015, recognizing her exceptional talent and contributions to women’s golf.
Emma Talley Family
Emma Talley is married to Patrick Smith, a professional caddie, whom she wed in January 2023. The couple resides outside of Nashville, Tennessee, and they are expecting their first child, a daughter, in June 2025.
Personal Life
Emma Talley maintains a private personal life but has shared her excitement about becoming a mother. She balances her professional career with her family commitments as she prepares for the arrival of her daughter.