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My name is Kyla Inaba. I am a Professional Golfer born and raised in Kelowna, BC, CANADA. Growing up, golf was one of many sports that I played competitively. I quickly became addicted to the ever challenging game. I played collegiate golf for the UBC Thunderbirds for four years, and here I am now, chasing the LPGA Tour.  I am in my third season as a professional and looking at an exciting schedule for 2015.  The cost of a full season is $40,000.  In planning for my summer season, my goal for this crowdfunding campaign is $15,000. Your support will go towards entry fees and travel costs (examples of these costs will be listed below).  If I exceed this goal, that will be absolute magic!

Kyla's Story

Growing up:

Born and bred in Kelowna, I grew up as a multi-sport athlete, enjoying all four seasons Kelowna had to offer! During weekends in the shoulder seasons you could often find me skiing in the morning and playing soccer or golf in the afternoon.  I didn't pick up golf seriously until age 15, a bit of a late bloomer, but I got hooked fast!  A few years on the junior circuit and I had my eyes on collegiate golf!

Flight of a Thunderbird:

After high school I was recruited to UBC Vancouver, to play varsity golf for the Thunderbirds. 2005 through 2009 I learned to lead the team, gaining a role as team captain during my junior and senior years. UBC proved to be the strongest women’s golf program in Canada, winning the Canadian Collegiate championship 3 of my 4 years. And we often battled until the last shot on the last hole for NAIA national titles.

Team highlights:

2006 NAIA National Championship Team runner-up

2006, 2007, 2009 Golf Canada’s Collegiate Team Champions

Individual success:

2008 NAIA National Championship Individual Runner up

2009 UBC Gail Moore Invitational Champion

2009 Golf Canada Collegiate Championship Individual Runner Up.

Multiple top 5 and 10 finishes.

Turning Pro:

After attaining her Bachelors of Science at UBC, I decided to continue to pursue golf. A risky decision, but a decision made from the heart and pursued with passion. I spent 3 years playing as many events as I could as an amateur.  After winning the British Columbia Mid Amateur in 2012, I decided it was time to try for the pro ranks in 2013, and set my sights for the LPGA.

Post College Amateur Career:

2009, 2011 Kelowna Ladies Invitational Champion. (2011 featured my lowest two round total, -8)

2010, 2011, 2012 BC Amateur Top 10

2012 BC Mid-Amateur Champion

2013 Cactus Tour top 5 x2, Multiple top 30's on the Summer Candian/ State Open Circuit

2014 Australian ALPG Tour, Cactus T12, T3, Texas Open T8, Washington Open T4, Candian PGA T17

*For full results see: www.kylainabagolf.com

Where Golf has taken Me thus far:

A continual drive to improve as a golfer and athlete found me pushing my personal boundaries to become the best professional I could be. With events across Canada, United States, and Australia in the last 2.5 years, I have played golf on courses and in climates that have tested my determination and patience, and have often surpassed any experience I could imagine. Having experienced the true test of golf, Stage 1 of LPGA Qualifying “School,” on three occasions, I feel like I have the experience and game to push to the next level.  

I continue to play with passion, commitment and vision. It is always my goal to surround myself with a team that believe in the process and my personal journey. It is my hope to inspire others to find something they are just as passionate about. As well as to continue to be a role model for women’s golf and women in sport.

Why I'm doing this fundraiser:

Professional golf takes: athleticsm, dedication, perserverance and a budget that will permit opportunities to grow your game. Without a major sponsor, planning my season can be financially daunting. Every year I have tried to subsidize some living and tour costs by working at my home course, Gallagher's Canyon, in the summer and Sport Chek in the winter.

A crowdfunding campaign, like "Fundrazr," is an opportunity to offer a low pressure fundraising platform to my supporters who would like to contribute to my season.

Tentative 2015 Schedule/Budget

Apr 13-15 Cactus Tour @ Legacy GC, Phoenix, AZ ($680 USD)

May 25-27 CDN WMNs Tour @ The Glencoe CC, Calgary, AB ($425 CAD)

Jun 2 US W Open Qual @ The OGA, Woodburn, OR ($175 USD)

Jun 15-17 CDN WMNs Tour @ Smith Falls CC, Smith Falls, ON ($425 CAD)

Jun 29-Jul 1 Michigan W Open @ Crystal Mtn, Crystal Mtn, MI ($200 USD)

Jul 6-8 Texas W Open @ Rolling Hills, Arlington, TX ($300 USD)

Jul 13-14 NW W Open @ Twin Lakes, Seattle, WA ($230 USD)

Jul 20-22 CDN PGA @ Burlington CC, Burlington, ON ($425 CAD)

Aug 3-9 LPGA Qualifying I @ Mission Hills, Palm Springs, CA ($2500 USD)

Aug 10 Portland Mon Q @ Portland, OR ($200 USD)

Aug 17 CDN Monday Q @ Pitt Meadows GC, Vancouver, BC ($200 USD)

Aug 26-28 Colorado W Open @ Green Valley Ranch, Denver, CO ($300 USD)

Sept/Oct - Events TBA (~$2000)

Oct 19-25 LPGA Qualifying II, Venice, FL ($1500 USD)

Nov 30-Dec 6 LPGA Qualifying III, Daytona Beach, FL

Nov-Dec Ladies European Tour Qualifying, Morocco ($1500)

Expenses:

Event entries x 14+ = $10,000

Tour membership fees = $400

Travel (Air, Rental Car, Fuel) = $10,000

(air fare, rental cars, gas, accommodation) = $10,000

Golf expenses (equipment, practice rounds) = $3000

Other major expenses: Food, travel insurance, fitness, misc. = $5000

*A detailed budget can be provided upon request.

My Team!

Thanks to those who have joined my journey!  My family has been with me every step of the way. Mom and Dad, thank you for all of the opportunities you gave us when we were growing up! Family and friends who have let me crash on their couch or in a spare room for an event, thank you! Jason, you have been by my side in all of my major events, thanks for growing with me.  I am greatful for previous sponsor and donors, Brandt's Creek, Kelowna Periodontics, thanks for giving me a shot! Dennis at QA Law, thanks for always being excited about the next step! Product and Service sponsors like, Jim Murphy with Inner Excellence, Greg Redman with Wave Physio (Kelowna,BC), Kevin Dielman at Grandveiw Health (Vancouver, BC), Deb Pentz at Active Spine Center (Phoenix), and The LAB (Vancouver, BC), I could not have become the golfer/athlete I am without your help! Thank you! UBC Thunderbirds Golf Program thank you for making me a leader! Gallagher's Canyon (Kelowna, BC), you have watched me grow since day one of my golf career, you have been my sanctuary for the last 13 years, thank you. To my close supporters who know me better than I know myself, and stuck with my game plan no matter which direction it turned, your perseverance means the world... to my supporters who I have just met, thanks for joining team KI!

Spread the love!

Thanks for reading this far!  Every contribution makes an impact on my career, so thank you for your efforts.  You can further help me by spreading the word about my Fundrazr campaign on social media, email or word of mouth! Find me at www.kylainabagolf.com, kylainaba@gmail.com on twitter and instagram: @kylainaba!