Sarah Schmelzel Bio
Sarah Hawley Schmelzel (born May 12, 1994) is an American professional golfer and member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. Raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Schmelzel began her sports career in gymnastics before transitioning to golf at the age of five. A standout amateur player, she earned accolades during her college years at the University of South Carolina. Turning professional in 2016, she quickly made a mark on the Symetra Tour before gaining her LPGA Tour card for the 2019 season. As of 2025, she continues to compete at the highest level in women’s golf.
Early Life and Background
Sarah Schmelzel grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, where she initially competed in gymnastics, excelling particularly in the uneven bars. She was an Arizona State Champion in gymnastics, but her passion for golf was ignited after witnessing Annika Sörenstam score a 59 at her home course of Moon Valley in 2001. This moment inspired her to pursue golf more seriously. Schmelzel was highly ranked in both the National Junior Golf Scoreboard and Golfweek junior rankings. She attended Xavier College Preparatory, where she won the 2011 Arizona State High School Championship and led her team to its third state title in four years. Her impressive performance included tying the Arizona state high school record with rounds of 71-66.
After high school, Sarah Schmelzel attended the University of South Carolina from 2012 to 2016, where she played on the women’s golf team. During her college career, she captured one individual title and was recognized as an honorable mention All-American in her senior year. She also earned a spot on the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team, showcasing her talent and potential early on.
Path to Golf
Following her graduation, Sarah Schmelzel turned professional in 2016 and joined the Symetra Tour in 2017. In her second season on the tour, she achieved seven top-10 finishes, including four top-five results in her last five events, finishing 13th on the Epson Tour money list. Her strong performance culminated in a third-place finish at the inaugural LPGA Q-Series, which earned her an LPGA Tour card for the 2019 season.
Schmelzel’s professional career has been marked by significant milestones. In 2021, she finished tied for 17th at the Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play, where she was awarded a hole victory due to a slow-play penalty assessed against her opponent. The following year, she made headlines by finishing solo third at the LPGA Drive On Championship, marking her best finish on the LPGA Tour to date.
Sarah Schmelzel Career
Early Career (2016-2018)
Sarah Schmelzel began her professional career in 2016 after graduating from college. She joined the Symetra Tour in 2017, where she quickly established herself as a competitive player. In her second season, she recorded seven top-10 finishes, demonstrating her skill and determination. Her strong performance on the Symetra Tour led to her earning an LPGA Tour card for the 2019 season after finishing third at the LPGA Q-Series.
Breakthrough (2019-Present)
Schmelzel’s breakthrough on the LPGA Tour came in 2019 when she officially joined the tour. Since then, she has continued to improve her game and achieve notable finishes. In 2022, she made an impressive leap up the leaderboard at the LPGA Drive On Championship, finishing in solo third place.
In March 2024, Schmelzel achieved her best finish to date, coming in second place at the Blue Bay LPGA tournament. She finished with a score of 273 (−15), just behind first-time LPGA winner Bailey Tardy, who set a new tournament record. Schmelzel’s performance earned her a substantial prize of $208,128.
Notable Works and Milestones
Sarah Schmelzel has established herself as a prominent player on the LPGA Tour, with significant achievements including her participation in major championships such as the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open. Her career continues to flourish as she competes at the highest levels of women’s golf.
Sarah Schmelzel Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Sarah Schmelzel has been recognized for her achievements in women’s golf, particularly during her time on the Symetra Tour and the LPGA Tour.
Sarah Schmelzel Awards Won
While specific awards won have not been detailed, Schmelzel’s impressive performances in various tournaments highlight her success and recognition within the sport.
Sarah Schmelzel Family
Information regarding Sarah Schmelzel’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Sarah Schmelzel’s personal life, including marital status or children, are not publicly disclosed.