Eyes on the Prize: Kiwi, Amelia Garvey is Prepped for Success

It’s early morning when I get Amelia on the line. If she’s tired, she doesn’t show it or look it. This girl glows with an aura of success, a hunger to win and a dignified humility. Her answers are straight from the hip but considered, no less. If likability were a factor in winning, my money is always going on this talented Kiwi.

Professional golf is a game of skill and endurance (mental and physical) and I quiz Amelia about both of these things. Even though it’s only her first year on the LET Tour, I also ask her about her long-term goals, her dreams. She responds without hesitation and looks me directly in the eye at the mere mention of one day winning a Major. And for a hot second, I clearly visualize her with a trophy, or is that a touch of reverse hypnotherapy? More on that later…

WG: New Zealand has so many fantastic golf courses. What's your favorite?

AG: Te Arai Links. On the North Island, believe the hype, it’s real. It’s such a great course. Tom Doak has designed an architectural masterpiece.

WG: You’ve had a great run at LET tournaments in 2026 with 4 top 10 finishes so far this year. Has that put you under pressure to perform, or are you excited to dominate the rest of the season?

AG: I’m ready to go and keep the momentum up. Keen to succeed. Yes, there’s pressure, but ultimately this is what I’ve been working toward.

WG: You play PING. Such great supporters of women’s golf. Tell us about your equipment. What’s in the bag?

AG: I always like PING and am happy to have signed with them. I’m loving my 2-iron. It’s a magic club and it’s always in my bag.

WG: Do you have any core mindset strategies that assist your focus and performance?

AG: Well, my physio encouraged me to look into my mindset. To identify new ways to improve my focus. How to not be disappointed or too caught up if you’ve had a bad round. Moving on from any past trauma you’ve had on the course, managing those negative thought processes that can get stuck in a loop.

I’ve done some hypnotherapy recently, too. I heard that Minjee and Tiger did it. Maybe it’s a coincidence, but it’s working for me. I’m going to see someone later today, actually.

It wasn’t what I expected, as in, it’s not a full-out-of-body experience with somebody else attempting to control your mind. I still felt present, very conscious. Hypnotherapy is difficult to explain. I’d liken it to a state of deep meditation.

WG: What aspect of your game would you like to improve?

AG: Inside 100 meters. I can hit it far, but then, for the next part, that last 100 to get to the green, that’s where my iron game could improve. I’m working on that.

I recently played with Charley Hull and Madeline Sagstrom and I was like, wow, these women know what they’re doing. Their entire approach, their club selection, everything. I was taking notes!

WG: How do you maintain stamina during a tournament?

AG: Rest and recovery are huge for me. Tournaments take it out of you, not just the event but the travel aspect, too. Keeping my energy levels up and consistent means taking the time to recover, refuel, recharge, all that. It’s all about balance.

WG: If you weren’t a professional golfer, what career path would you have taken?

AG: Pop star, but I can’t sing, ha, so that’s out. Sports media has always been of interest and I did consider studying journalism at one stage. Maybe after I wrap my pro career, you’ll find me commentating at events. I’d like that.

Bio

Age: 25

Nationality: New Zealand (born in Manchester, UK).

Turned Pro: 2021

Sponsors: PING, Nike

LET Order of Merit Ranking: 16