Albane Valenzuela, born on December 17, 1997, in New York City, is a Swiss professional golfer who has made significant strides in women's golf since turning professional in 2019. With a multicultural background and impressive accomplishments both as an amateur and a professional, Valenzuela is recognized as one of the rising stars on the LPGA Tour.
Albane Valenzuela Early Life and Amateur Career
Valenzuela was born to a Mexican father and a French mother, and she became a Swiss citizen at the age of 14 after her family moved to Switzerland. She began playing golf at a young age and quickly excelled in the sport. Throughout her amateur career, she garnered numerous accolades, including low amateur honors at the 2016 ANA Inspiration and participation in the 2016 U.S. Women’s Open.
During her time as an amateur, Valenzuela was ranked as the number one golfer in Switzerland and reached number two in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. She achieved notable successes such as reaching the finals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship in both 2017 and 2019 and winning the European Golf Association European Order of Merit in 2018.
Valenzuela played college golf at Stanford University, where she was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2019. She graduated with a degree in political science and was recognized for her academic achievements by being awarded the WGCA's Edith Cummings Munson Award.
Professional Career
After turning professional in late 2019, Valenzuela quickly made her mark on the LPGA Tour. She earned her LPGA Tour card by finishing T-6 at the Q Series in November 2019. Since then, she has competed consistently on tour, achieving several top finishes.
In February 2024, Valenzuela recorded her best finish to date by placing second at the Honda LPGA Thailand, where she shot a career-low round of 63. This performance highlighted her potential and solidified her status as a competitive player on the LPGA Tour.
As of late 2023, Valenzuela has accumulated over $1.6 million in official career earnings and has recorded multiple top-10 finishes throughout her professional career.
Team Appearances
Valenzuela has represented Switzerland in various international competitions, including three Olympic Games: Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. She also participated in team events such as the Junior Solheim Cup and Vagliano Trophy during her amateur career. In 2024, she was selected to represent Europe in the Solheim Cup, further showcasing her skills on an international stage.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Beyond her achievements on the golf course, Albane Valenzuela is known for her commitment to philanthropy. She co-founded "Alexis For Autism," a charity that organizes golf events to raise funds for autism research and support. This initiative reflects her dedication to giving back to the community.
Fluent in four languages—French, English, Spanish, and German—Valenzuela embodies a global perspective that resonates with many fans around the world.
Albane Valenzuela Conclusion
Albane Valenzuela's journey from an accomplished amateur golfer to a professional competitor on the LPGA Tour exemplifies her talent and determination. As she continues to make strides in women's golf while representing Switzerland on international platforms like the Olympics and Solheim Cup, Valenzuela is poised for further success. Her achievements not only highlight her individual skill but also contribute to greater diversity within the sport of golf.
