Name: Sophie Korthuijs
Born: 26 dec, 2003
Sports: Women’s Golf
School: Ball State University
Placed: Fall 2024

Sophie Korthuijs is one of the most determined and powerful golfers in the Netherlands. At a young age she made the switch from the ice to the green: she exchanged her skating career for golf and within just a few months managed to qualify for the Dutch Championship and was selected for the NGF youth selection. Sophie is now ranked 1382 worldwide in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and 429 in the European Golf Ranking (EGR) – impressive figures that underline her growth and perseverance. In the fall of 2024, she will transfer to Ball State University on a full athletic scholarship.

From national talent to international experience

At the age of 13, Sophie was already among the best golfers of her age in the Netherlands. She was selected for the Dutch U18 team at 14 and played tournaments such as the European Nations Team Championship, the British Girls, the English Girls, the Dutch Junior Open and the 4 Nations Cup. At the time, she ranked 18th in her age group on the EGR.

But the road to success was not without obstacles. Shortly after her strong season, Sophie developed an eating disorder that affected her play and health. Over the past few years, she has worked intensively on her recovery, both physically and mentally. Now she has returned stronger than ever – full of motivation, strength and focus.

Powerful, eager to learn and ambitious

Sophie’s strength on the court lies mainly in her long drives and accurate pitches. Thanks to her physical strength, she knows how to get the most out of her strokes. But Sophie is more than just an athlete – her academic ambition is at least as great. She is working hard on her studies and will finish high school in the summer of 2024. In the U.S., she plans to major in International Law & Political Science.

The move to America

The search for a university was not easy: the academic requirements and the issue of playing eligibility made it an intensive process. Slamstox supported Sophie and her family through the entire process – from eligibility issues to university match and obtaining her athletic scholarship.

The future is bright for Sophie

At Ball State University, Sophie has now landed well. After a short settling-in period, she feels completely at home in the American system. She is getting lots of playing minutes, putting on athletic performances and has fully found the joy in her sport.

Sophie’s goal for the next few years? Taking her game to world level, gaining international experience, being of value to her team and eventually pursuing her dream of competing in the Q-school for the LPGA Tour.

With her resilience, perseverance and ambition, Sophie Korthuijs is a role model for young athletes at home and abroad. Her story is one of strength, recovery and future perspective.

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