Former Texas Longhorn Katelyn Sepmoree to open KPMG Women’s PGA
Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols (on the set of Golf Channel’s coverage of the KPMG Women’s PGA) talks with Katelyn Sepmoree.
FRISCO, Texas – The woman hitting the first tee shot to open play at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship might have the most experience at PGA Frisco. Katelyn Sepmoree, a member of the Northern Texas PGA Section, will play in her first major championship not too far from her hometown of Tyler, Texas. She played the Fields Ranch East Course four times before championship week, even taking part in media day alongside 2024 Women’s PGA champion Amy Yang.
“We’re ready to rock,” said Sepmoree, who, in addition to a pre-tournament press conference, made a stop by the Golf Channel set on Monday.
The former Texas Longhorn, who had a brief stint on the LPGA before turning to the teaching ranks, now works at Willow Brook Country Club, where she first learned the game. Her boss at Willow Brook – head pro Chris Hudson – has been teaching her since age 7.
“My goal when I started teaching was I was given a really great opportunity to learn from really great people, and if I could just share a little bit of that to the generation below me that’s worth it,” said Sepmoree.
“I try to be a mentor to not only the girls I teach, but the boys that I teach as well. They have given me – they look at me and say, you can do this Katelyn, Coach Katelyn, you got this. To hear it from them, it’s something special. Kind of hard to put into words. I hope to do them proud and my section proud.”
Dozens of friends, family and Willow Brook members plan to make the drive from Tyler to Frisco for Sepmoree’s 7 a.m. tee time.
“I think the bus was used to describe the number of people,” said Sepmoree. “I can’t confirm there is actually a bus, but I wouldn’t put it past our members. I do know a lot of people are staying the night, like Wednesday night, because it is an early tee time.”
The 34-year-old played her way into the championship by winning the PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship. To prepare for the week, she’s packed her schedule with lessons in the morning and practice in the evenings, putting in long days in the Texas heat. Fellow Willow Brook pro Correy Davis will be on the bag.
The first goal, she said, is to enjoy the moment. The second comes as more of a surprise from someone with a full-time job: win it.
When asked about her confident approach, Sepmoree said it comes from her circle.
“It’s my coach, it’s my family, it’s Correy, it’s the members,” she said. “They instill confidence that I can just drink up and take in.
“And honestly, it’s my faith and knowing this is where I belong.”
