Ffion Tynan, a 22-year-old Welsh golfer, has turned professional after securing her spot on the Ladies European Tour (LET) through qualifying school in Morocco.
Childhood Spark Ignored Mickey Mouse
During a 2012 family holiday in Orlando, eight-year-old Tynan opted out of a visit to a Disney park. Instead, she chose the kids’ holiday club golf activity. She quickly showed promise, igniting a passion that has defined her career.
“I have a younger sister, who’s two and a half years younger than me,” Tynan recalls. “She wanted to go back to one of the Disney parks and I wasn’t having it. I was stubborn and I said to my friends I’m not going, so I ended up doing the kids camp for the day.”
The coach asked her to stay behind after noticing her talent. They spoke to her parents, encouraging her to continue playing. “My dad just laughed because I was the little girl in gymnastics in pretty flowery stuff and I was going to play this sport none of my family grew up in,” she says. Her sister soon followed suit.
Tynan reflects with laughter: “I don’t know what I was thinking.” She credits that stubborn decision for her pro status today.
Family Holidays Centered on Golf
Since discovering golf, family vacations have revolved around the sport. “Up until 2021, we didn’t go on a holiday that didn’t include golf,” Tynan explains. Families often combined competitions with fun, like Florida events during Christmas, followed by visits to Disney World or Discovery Cove.
“We kind of had a family holiday within a golf competition, which was really nice,” she adds.
College Golf in the United States
Tynan pursued her education and golf in the US, first at the University of Arkansas and then the University of Missouri. “I was always one of the youngest ones in the bigger tournaments,” she notes. Inspired by older players, she sought a scholarship to balance studies and sports.
“My mum’s a teacher so I was definitely getting a degree! To be able to do both on a scholarship and coming back without student debt, that’s great,” Tynan says. At 17, she embraced the experience, making lifelong friends.
Influences and Aspirations
Tynan draws inspiration from tennis star Venus Williams and golf hero Charley Hull, the 2013 LET Rookie of the Year. “I used to run around on the course and watch her play and try to swing it like her,” she shares. Her childhood coach urged her to emulate Hull’s finish.
“It’s pretty cool to see her still around after influencing me at a young age. That’s what I want, to be a person that can influence the next generation,” Tynan states. From a small Welsh town, she aims to inspire young girls.
She hopes to meet Hull in a tournament soon, perhaps in a major.
Debut on the Horizon
The 2026 LET season kicks off in Saudi Arabia this week, but Tynan’s playing rights limit her to select events. She awaits her debut date after 14 years of dedication, including four college years.
“I was nine years old when I decided the path I was going to take,” she says proudly. “I’m really proud of myself for being able to accomplish that. There’s not a lot of people able to do that, so I’m very grateful.” The young golfer inside her buzzes with excitement for what’s next.
