Australian Women’s Classic

Hardware Removed as Kemp’s Continues Comeback

Jimmy Emanuel
March 4, 2026

Jimmy Emanuel
March 4, 2026

For fans of Sarah Kemp, last week’s share of fifth and top Aussie honours at the Ford NSW Women’s Open might seem a huge positive in her ongoing return from injury. However, simply completing 72 holes was the main takeaway for the LPGA Tour veteran.

Some 19 months on from a golf cart accident that broke her right leg in multiple places, Kemp was hopeful for a strong start to her year with four weeks of WPGA Tour of Australasia and Ladies European Tour (LET) golf in her homeland, including this week’s Australian Women’s Classic.

However, after her most recent round of surgery to the damaged limb, a start at all, let alone a strong one, appeared unlikely as she battled soreness and stiffness in cool Florida conditions following the removal of four screws from her lower right leg that still contains a rod and one screw.

“I had surgery December 17th. I played my first 18 holes basically a week before New South Wales Open. I kind of came to Australia not sure really because I was in Florida, it was cold, everything felt terrible, and I was like, ‘I don’t even know how I’m going to tee it up’,” Kemp said Wednesday at Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club.

“As soon as I got here (Australia)… I landed on the Wednesday, must have been two Wednesdays before New South Wales Open, played New South Wales Golf Club on the Sunday and I walked 18 holes. I took four Advil, but I did it.

“It felt terrible, but I was like, I’ve got to put it through the yards. But it felt better being in a warmer climate.”

Although the weather was a help initially, the rain that hit Wollongong last week was anything but, with Thursday’s first round wiped out and 36 holes required on Friday.

A tiring prospect even for the new wave of Australian talent, let alone the more experienced players, or one who “takes about an hour for me to look like a normal human” each morning.

“I was almost crying… ‘How am I going to do this? How am I going to do 36 holes first up?” Kemp said.

“First round I was getting cramps… I was like, ‘My leg’s probably just in shock, like what are you doing?’

“But honestly, ever since then, it pulled up fine on Saturday, Sunday.”

Surprised by her place as the best of the Australians last week, Kemp’s game was solid in all departments, yet the St Michael’s Golf Club member is trying to keep her expectations in check, given her body is still a work in progress.

The Magenta Shores layout another layer to navigate for first timer Kemp, who is hoping Mother Nature plays her part again in her return.

“First time yesterday. It’s gorgeous,” she said of the New South Wales Central Coast layout that welcomes this event for the first time, having previously hosted the Women’s NSW Open.

“It’s a proper golf course. It’s in perfect condition.

“I know girls played here two years ago, but for the most part, it’s pretty straight in front of you. There are a couple tee shots you’ve got to be mindful of, but no, it’s a great test. I hope the wind gets up. That’d be nice just to make it a little bit more interesting.”

Adding to Kemp’s enjoyment of the week is the presence of her parents in her Airbnb this week, having driven a few hours south on the M1 motorway from Tuncurry, while simply playing four weeks of competitive golf at home has the ever smiling Kemp thrilled for herself the next wave of local talent.

“I love it. This is huge,” Kemp said of the four weeks of co-sanctioned events.

“That was what I was so upset about when I was like, two weeks before… I just want to be ready for these. I really, I love them. Aussies playing in Australia, it’s a big deal for all of us. I mean, look at all the girls are coming home next week to play Aussie Open, so it means a lot. And yeah, we’re really lucky. It’s awesome. Hopefully we can get more.”

Another hope for Kemp being certainty for her schedule moving forward and a further mended body helping her regain a place on the LPGA.

“I have no clue. I’ve got crappy status on LPGA. I think I’ve probably got almost full status out here (LET), but I want to get back to LPGA,” Kemp said of her 2026 and beyond plans.

“I’m just going to play these four. I’m going to go on a holiday to Tassie, play 7 Mile (Beach) after Gold Coast and go to a couple wineries, celebrate something.

“Then I’ll just go back to the States and see what I get into. I’ll do a US Open qualifier, or I might get into Mexico. I might get into this one in New Jersey – ShopRite. That’s the priority. I want to play more on LPGA if I can. If not, I’ll come back to LET and play a few ones out here.”