More Than a Dream: My Journey to the LPGA

Written By Rayab Lee

By Rayab Lee

If you had told younger me that one day I’d be chasing the dream of becoming an LPGA professional, traveling the country competing against some of the best players, building a business to fund my passion, and inspiring others along the way…I would’ve believed you.

Because golf has always been bigger than a game to me.

My name is Rayab Lee, and I’m a professional golfer on a journey to the LPGA.

But this journey didn’t begin with sponsorships, tournament travel, or professional tour events. It started with an interest with my Dad, discipline, and an unwavering belief that I was capable of more.

From Division I Golf to Professional Golf

I’m a former NCAA Division I golfer from Towson University and computer science graduate. Competing at that level taught me so much more than how to hit a golf ball, it taught me leadership, time management, resilience, mental toughness, and how to keep showing up even when things don’t go your way.

Golf is the definition of humbling.

There are days when you feel like you can accomplish anything, and there are days when the game exposes every weakness you have. But that’s what makes me grow in love with it.

After college, I made the decision to take the leap and pursue professional golf.

Not because it was easy.
Not because it was guaranteed.
But because I knew I would regret not trying to pursue my dream.

Now, I compete on professional tours including the Sapphire Golf Tour, WAPT, and NXXT, working toward one ultimate goal: earning my LPGA card.

The Reality Behind the Dream

Social media often shows the exciting parts of professional golf. Traveling to beautiful courses for days at a time, tournament outfits, early morning practice sessions, and exciting competition.

What people don’t always see is the reality behind the dream.

Professional golf is expensive.

Tournament entry fees.
Flights.
Hotels.
Rental cars.
Practice rounds.
Coaching.
Equipment.
Training.
Recovery.

And that’s before even talking about LPGA Q-School.

This dream requires a level of investment that many people never realize.

For many professional golfers, especially those without major sponsorship backing, competing becomes a balancing act between chasing the dream and figuring out how to financially sustain it.

That’s where my story gets a little different.

How I Fund My Dream

I fund my professional golf career through what I love most, teaching and giving back to the game.

I offer:

  • Private golf lessons

  • Group clinics

  • Junior coaching

  • Community golf events

  • Fundraising experiences like “Beat the Pro”

Teaching allows me to continue competing while helping others fall in love with golf.

There’s something incredibly special about watching someone hit a shot they never thought they could—or seeing a young girl realize that golf can be for her too.

That’s bigger than birdies.

I’ve built this journey through entrepreneurship, creativity, and community support.

Because chasing a dream doesn’t look like waiting for someone to hand you an opportunity.

For me it’s creating your own.

Why Fundraising Matters

One thing I’ve learned is that people want to support a meaningful journey—they just need a way to be part of it.

That’s why fundraising has become such an important part of my path to the LPGA.

Whether it’s:

  • Beat the Pro fundraising challenges

  • Charity-driven golf clinics

  • Sponsorship partnerships

  • Community events

  • Corporate collaborations

Each opportunity helps make this dream more possible.

But fundraising for me is about more than asking for support.

It’s about creating value.

When someone supports my journey, they’re not just helping cover a tournament fee—they’re becoming part of a story.

A story about perseverance.
Representation.
Breaking barriers.
Building something from grass roots.

And proving that dreams don’t only belong to those with unlimited resources.

Why Representation Matters

As a Black woman in professional golf, I understand how important visibility is.

Golf hasn’t always looked like me.

And that’s exactly why I keep going.

I want young girls, especially girls who may have never considered golf, to see someone pursuing this dream unapologetically.

I want them to know they belong in these spaces.

That they can build careers in golf.
That they can compete.
That they can lead.

This journey is very personal, but it’s also bigger than me.

The Road to the LPGA

Right now, every lesson taught, every clinic hosted, every sponsorship conversation, every fundraiser, and every tournament round is a step closer to the LPGA.

Some weeks are exciting.

Some weeks are exhausting.

Some weeks test everything.

But this dream is alive.

And I’m all in.

To everyone who has supported me, whether through lessons, partnerships, donations, encouragement, or simply following the journey, Thank You.

You are helping make this possible.

This isn’t just my road to the LPGA.

It’s ours. 

Want to Support the Journey?

If you’d like to support my journey to the LPGA, there are several ways to get involved:

  • Book a private lesson or clinic

  • Partner as a sponsor or brand collaborator

  • Support fundraising events

  • Share my story

  • Follow along as I document the journey

Because every bit of support helps turn this dream into reality.

And trust me,

We’re just getting started. 


Rayab Lee