Albane Valenzuela has announced she will turn professional. The Swiss player recently performed well at the LPGA Q-Series, earning playing rights on the tour for the coming season.
"I am excited to announce my decision to turn professional and accept my LPGA status for the 2020 season", said Valenzuela. "As a result of the opportunities that were given to me through my Q-Series and the possibility of returning to the Olympics, I am thrilled to start a new chapter in my life and pursue my long-time aspiration of playing on tour."
The former Stanford Women's Golf Team player has represented the EGA on five occasions, once for a European team and four times for the Continent of Europe. She has also won three medals in European Individual and Team Championships. Her exceptional career as an amateur includes the following achievements:
- 3-time Vagliano Trophy winner with the Continent of Europe (7W/ 2D/ 4L)
- Low-amateur at the 2019 Evian Championship
- Winner of the 2018 European Women's Amateur Golf Ranking
- European Ladies' Amateur Championship runner-up (2017)
- 2-time US Women's Amateur Championship runner-up (2019 & 2017)
- Represented Switzerland at the 2016 Olympic Games
- Represented Europe at the 2016 Patsy Hankins Trophy (2016)
- Silver and bronze medals at the European Ladies' Team Championship with Switzerland (2015 & 2014 respectively)
- Winner of the Junior Vagliano Trophy with the Continent of Europe (2013)