At one point in her sports career, Destiny Lawson had her sights set on getting to the WNBA, but after a knee injury, the Epson Tour rookie chose to switch sports. She put down the basketball, picked up a club, and never looked back.
She began playing golf at the age of 15 and the Ocala, Florida native said she immediately fell in love with the sport. In addition, golf provided her with a route to accomplish a goal she set.
“I have always had a goal to be a professional athlete and to play a sport at the professional level,” Lawson said. “I saw that there were more opportunities than just playing the sport — things that could positively impact my life, and I could also impact others. It started with the WNBA and then it quickly transitioned into the LPGA.”
While Lawson is making her Epson Tour debut at Florida’s National Charity Classic, it’s not her first stint in professional golf. The 26-year-old Monday qualified for the 2021 Pure Silk Championship. Now with partial status, Lawson is looking to capitalize on these opportunities and take advantage.
“I’m right on that line of not having full status; that’s the first goal of mine,” Lawson said. “If I do that, then I’m progressing toward being able to play in more tournaments, which would give me more opportunities to make money and to secure a win, hopefully.”
Lawson knows the implications that come with being a professional athlete and how difficult it can be at times. However, she stays grounded by following a simple rule.
“Be kind to yourself, and trust your process,” Lawson said. “It’s a long journey, so just be kind to yourself and enjoy the moment that you have because that’s the only one that is guaranteed.”