Professional English golfer Alex Fitzpatrick is ready to join the Augusta National this weekend. But he is not here to play a game, instead, the 25-year-old will be showing support, caddying for his girlfriend, Rachel Kuehn. Rachel, who will enter the greens in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, has already become one of the most talked-about names in amateur golf.

Rachel Kuehn was born to a family of sportspeople. Her mother was an amateur golfer, while her father, Eric Kuehn, along with her two uncles, were Division One baseball players. She gained significant influence from her mom, who participated in the U.S. Women’s Open when she was eight months pregnant with Rachel. Instilling a passion and devotion to the game, she helped her daughter reach remarkable achievements.

Early life and golf heritage

Rachel was born on June 10, 2001, in Asheville, North Carolina. Not much is known about her early childhood, other than the fact that she was raised in a family with a deep connection to golf. Her grandfather, Jack Corrie, represented Venezuela in the 1958 Eisenhower Trophy, showcasing the family’s long-standing connection to the sport. As the daughter of renowned amateur golfer Brenda Corrie Kuehn, Rachel’s path into golf seemed virtually preordained from the start.

Her mother participated in esteemed competitions such as the US Women’s Open and twice won the US Women’s Mid-Amateur. So, it’s no big surprise that Rachel, enamored by the stories of her mother and grandfather, took the sport up at an early age.

Rachel Kuehn went to high school in Asheville, taking home three NCISAA Division II state titles, prior to gaining recognition from the National High School Coaches Association as the 2018 Senior Girls Golf Athlete of the Year. Later, she made the decision to attend Wake Forest University in 2019, pursuing her academic and golfing goals at the same time. Soon, she became a formidable player, joining the Demon Deacons women’s golf team.

Notably, Rachel’s time in college was outstanding, with consistent triumphs throughout her tenure. In her very first collegiate tournament, the Annika Invitational in September 2019, Rachel became the only Wake Forest player to win their opening event. Not only did she win, but her 13-under-par total even tied the record for the event.

Collegiate and amateur career

However, this victory was just the beginning for Rachel Kuehn. She continued to perform tremendously well during her time in college, earning All-American honors every season. Rachel was a true talent in 2022, cementing her status as the best collegiate golfer in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) when she was selected as the ACC Player of the Year. Moreover, her outstanding abilities and leadership on the Wake Forest team were acknowledged with this prestigious prize, a potent declaration of her golfing might.

She has won several prominent amateur tournaments, including the North and South Women’s Amateur, and the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship in 2023, where she also led her team to victory. Kuehn’s prominence in amateur golf is highlighted by her presence in the United States ‘ international competitions, like the Espirito Santo Trophy, where she won a silver medal in 2022, alongside her crucial contribution to the U.S. Curtis Cup team’s victory.

Life off the course

Rachel has been further entwined with the golf industry off the course, romantically involved with Alex Fitzpatrick. Alex has caddied for Rachel at tournaments, including the latest ANWA event, since they first started dating. Their mutually beneficial partnership is evidence of their love of the game and dedication to one another’s accomplishments. Fitzpatrick met his lady while playing collegiate golf at Wake Forest, where he was a player until going pro in 2022.

Apart from finishing in second place last autumn and maintaining his DP World Tour card, he also has vast experience with caddie work. During a victorious run at The Country Club in the 2013 U.S. Amateur, he was on the bag for his older brother Matt.

When talking about the difference between caddying for the two, he added, “It’s worse caddying for her because I’ll get a little abused if I do something wrong, whereas caddying for my brother I was only 13 so I didn’t really know what was going on.” Apart from her boyfriend, Kuehn has also had her mother take up the bag for her at events,  while her brother, Corrie Kuehn, now plays collegiate golf at Rhodes University.

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With a clear vision for the future, Rachel Kuehn wants to keep improving her skills, hoping to become a professional. She will undoubtedly have a big influence on the professional golf scene given her past performance, just as her already secured recognition in the amateur ranks.

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