For months, Kristen Gillman was just another LPGA Tour rookie looking to find her way among the best players in the world. This week, she's playing the LPGA Tour's Asia swing for the first time.
The Austin, Texas native has had a good rookie season. In 14 events, Gillman has earned $332,779 and sits No.52 on the money list, which is the third-most made by a rookie in 2019. She has three top-10 finishes with her best result at the ANA Inspiration, where she finished tied for sixth.
Despite this being Gillman's first season on Tour, she hasn't allowed the pressure to get to her. The rookie allows herself to make mistakes on the course.
"It is your job, but try not to take it as much as your job, because you're not going to enjoy it as much, and it's going to be too long of a year if you take it too seriously and get too down on yourself," said Gillman. "So go out there and try to have fun. That's usually when the best golf comes when you play out there relaxed."
During Friday's second round, Gillman was undoubtedly relaxed. She carded a 7-under par 66 by taking advantage of the par 5s. She made an eagle at Nos. 13 and 17 to sit just six-strokes back, heading into the weekend.
"I felt good coming into today. Yesterday I shot 1-over, but I had six birdies so I definitely knew I could. I was messing around out there on the golf course and had two doubles yesterday, so I guess it was makeup for the two eagles," said Gillman. "Definitely felt like I was playing well heading into it. Hopefully, I can keep that going."
Gillman said she was going to relax, get some rest, and have a good meal before teeing it up for the third round on Saturday.
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