HOWIE-IN-THE-HILLS, FL | Epson Tour rookie, Sierra Brooks (Orlando, Florida) is no stranger to Mission Inn Resort and Club. In her Freshman year at Lake Mary Prep, her high school, the team worked their way to the State Championship. After coming up short in that event, Brooks was excited to return to compete for the title two years later in 2014 and led her team to the victory.
“I have been playing high school golf since 6th grade so I was always chasing after the state title for my team and individually. During my Freshman year, I played well enough to get into a playoff with Simon Feng for the individual title where she birdied the first hole to beat me but coming that close to winning definitely lit a fire in me for the years to come,” said Brooks. “Coming back to Mission Inn my junior year and claiming the state title with my team and as an individual was special and a moment I’ll always cherish with my teammates. Of course, there was some unfinished business after competing at Mission Inn and losing my Freshman year.”
In Brooks’ amateur career she found more success than a State Championship. She was a member of the 2014 Junior Ryder Cup, member of the 2015 Junior Solheim Cup, named the 2015 USA National High School Player of the Year and qualified for the 2016 and 2019 U.S. Women’s Open. She continued on to play for the Gators at the University of Florida where she was runner-up at the 2019 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship. Before tournaments and traveling on the big stage, it all started with trips to the course with her Father Brent Brooks (University of North Florida DII All-American).
“When I was six my dad started bringing me to the golf course. It started off just wanting to drive the cart around and play games for ice cream etc. But eventually after I got bored of watching I asked to hit some shots and my love for the sport just grew from there.”
Entering the eighth event of the season, Brooks has claimed three top-15 finishes in seven starts. She is coming in to the fourth and final tournament in Florida following a season-best tie for 10th at the Epson Classic. She is currently No. 29 in the Volvik Race for the Card.
“I’ve definitely felt my game continue to get better over the stretch of the Florida events. I’ve gained confidence posting some under par rounds and It’s been great getting to be home, compete and then work on my game with my dad,” said Brooks. “I know my game is there and I’m looking forward to this last stretch of golf to play well and give me a chance to improve my position to earn my LPGA Tour membership.”
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