The moment you tee off, there’s no turning back. This is true for golfers like Michelle Wie West, who returned to the LPGA after a 21-month hiatus. And how can we forget Nelly Korda‘s swing partner, Jessica Korda, who’s gearing up for a comeback next year after a long injury and maternity break? But that’s not all! There’s another name worth mentioning. A former amateur world number 2 and Rose Zhang‘s Stanford golf mate – Rachel Heck. Heck had been playing golf since childhood, but in 2023, she paused her golf career. Why?

Well, Rachel felt like her identity was getting stuck to golf, and the 23-year-old was questing for something bigger. “I needed something more than golf, and I vowed that I would find it,” she said. “During these turbulent years largely away from the game, I fell in love with life again,” she shared with No Laying Up.

But, just like other golfers, it was no easy decision for the lieutenant. “Taking a step away from the game that has given me everything has been a gut-wrenching decision,” Heck confessed. “To say golf has given me the most incredible memories is to minimize the experiences I ask God every day why I deserve.”

Fast forwarding to now, it looks like the golf bug had missed those memories and greens too much. And we say that for a reason. On January 26, 2025, Heck announced her comeback on X, posting a photo of herself in uniform. And guess what? The lieutenant was holding an invitation to this April’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

But if you think this would be her first Augusta, think again! The Stanford alum has already made her mark at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, in 2021, 2022, and 2024. Her standout performance came in 2021, where she secured third place (218) among the world’s top amateur golfers like Jena Koo, Rose Zhang, and Tsubasa Kajitani, who won the tournament carding a total of 217.

Additionally, Rachel Heck also snagged 6 titles in 2021, including the NCAA Individual Championship, which set a new school record. Her impressive streak continued into her sophomore year, helping Stanford clinch the NCAA Team Championship and earning her a spot on the Golfweek Third Team All-American.

With titles like these, it would not be wrong to say the Air Force officer will rise to the top in no time. And the golfing world can not wait to witness it happen. Currently, Heck is ranked 27th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Golfing fans beam with pride as Rachel Heck announces her return

One fan perfectly captured the sentiment, “We are all very proud of you and look forward to watching you compete.” It’s no surprise, really – golf fans have always had a soft spot for their veterans. Take legendary Patty Berg, for instance, who left audiences in stitches with her humor and impressed everyone with her incredible golf shots.

Another fan chimed in with some words of encouragement saying, “Good on ya Lt… follow those dreams!” Heck’s passion for golf has been burning bright since childhood. And she wasn’t alone – her dad was right by her side. Her dad would say, “I don’t know what I’m doing. I just want to be next to you,” to push her be the best.

Fans also appreciated Heck’s service saying, “Thanks for your service, Rachel. I’d love to meet up with you!” Rachel was commissioned as a second lieutenant in June 2023 and earned her Prop and Wings after completing the Air Force’s grueling ROTC field training.

“Holy crap!! So cool!!” a social media user exclaimed. Whereas another fan summed up by saying, “Best American golfer in style and substance.”

Now that you have read what the fans think, we would like to know your reaction. What do you think about Lieutenant Rachel Heck’s return to golf? Share your thoughts in the debate section below!