Paula Reto Bio
Paula Reto (born 3 May 1990) is a South African professional golfer who plays on the LPGA Tour. She qualified for the LPGA Tour through Q-School on her first attempt in 2013 and turned professional that same year. Reto has made her mark in professional golf, achieving notable victories including her first LPGA Tour tournament win at the Canadian Women’s Open in August 2022. Reto was also a standout player in her collegiate career, contributing to Purdue University’s golf team, where she was part of the 2010 NCAA National Championship team and received multiple accolades for her performance.
Early Life and Background
Paula Reto was born in Cape Town, South Africa. She did not start playing golf until the age of 15, having previously engaged in field hockey and track. This late start did not hinder her development, as she quickly excelled in the sport. Reto attended Purdue University, where she played for the Purdue Boilermakers women’s golf team from 2009 to 2012. During her time there, she was a member of the 2010 NCAA National Championship team and earned several accolades for her performance on the course.
Path to Golf
Reto’s early golf career was marked by significant achievements. She was a three-time First-Team All-Big Ten Conference selection from 2011 to 2013 and received the First-Team All-American honor in 2013. In that same year, she earned an individual third-place finish at the NCAA Championships and was awarded the Mary Fossum Award for having the lowest stroke average in the Big Ten Conference. Reto also won the Dixie Amateur in consecutive years, 2011 and 2012, and reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship in 2012, where she was eliminated by Lydia Ko, the eventual champion.
Paula Reto Career
Early Career (2013-2014)
Paula Reto turned professional in 2013 after qualifying for the LPGA Tour through Q-School on her first attempt. She tied for 13th place, which earned her full status for the 2014 season. In her rookie year, she finished 77th on the official LPGA money list and ranked seventh in the Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year race. Reto recorded a solo third at the 2014 Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic, showcasing her potential early in her professional career.
Breakthrough (2022)
Reto’s breakthrough moment came at the Canadian Women’s Open on 28 August 2022, where she won her first LPGA Tour tournament. She achieved a remarkable score of 62-69-67-67, totaling 265 (−19), which secured her a one-stroke victory over notable competitors Nelly Korda and Choi Hye-jin. Her opening round of 62 set a tournament record, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Paula Reto’s signature work includes her victory at the Canadian Women’s Open, which not only marked her first LPGA Tour win but also established her as a formidable competitor on the tour. She has also participated in major championships, including the Summer Olympics, where she finished tied for 16th in 2016 and qualified for the 2020 Olympics but had to withdraw due to COVID-19 protocols.
Paula Reto Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Paula Reto has received several nominations and awards, including the Mary Fossum Award in 2013 for her outstanding performance in collegiate golf.
Paula Reto Awards Won
Paula Reto has achieved notable recognition in her golfing career, including her victory at the Canadian Women’s Open in 2022, which stands out as a significant accomplishment in her professional journey.
Paula Reto Family
Information about Paula Reto’s family is not publicly available, and details regarding her parents or siblings remain undisclosed.
Personal Life
Details about Paula Reto’s personal life, including her marital status or children, are not publicly available. She maintains a focus on her professional career and achievements on the golf course.