Rebecca Lee-Bentham
Unbeknownst to many, music played a large part in Rebecca Lee-Bentham's childhood prior to her introduction to the game of golf at the age of 12. So understandably the 20-year-old rookie LPGA golfer is happy to share that unique connection to golf and music with one of her favourite young musicians growing up, Carly Rae Jepsen. With subtle parallels on their journeys, Jepsen has emerged as an international pop sensation while Lee-Bentham has developed into one of Canada's most promising young golfers.
Having spent many hours honing her skills on the violin and piano during her childhood years, Lee-Bentham also fondly recalls watching and cheering for Jepsen on season five of Canadian Idol in 2007.
"I loved watching Canadian Idol as a kid because I secretly wished to be a singer, but was fully aware that I didn't have the voice," said Lee-Bentham, who makes important use of music these days to calm her nerves prior to big tournaments. "Carly was one of my favourites because she clearly had the whole package. She's a good performer; and has a unique voice and fun personality."
It was as a contestant on Canadian Idol where Jepsen revealed that a close family member had visions of her becoming an elite golfer.
"My grandfather had this dream on the night that I was born that I was going to be a world famous golfer…..The best actually," said the then 21 year-old. "So every birthday since he's bought me golf gear and stuff."
While Jepsen, now 26, never realized those expectations on the golf course, everyone in her family, including her grandfather, was happy that she found her true calling as a musician.
Lee-Bentham, on the other hand, decided to pursue golf at the age of 12 instead of her musical roots; but has also found her true calling.
Both of these talented young Canadians enjoyed big breakthroughs last December that would change their worlds forever.
In Jepsen's case her hit single, "Call Me Maybe" was noticed by pop superstar Justin Bieber who was home during the holidays.
"Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen is possibly the catchiest song I've ever heard lol," tweeted the Stratford, Ontario native to his millions of Twitter followers after hearing the song.
Jepsen has since been signed by Bieber's manager and her song has reached number 1 in five different markets including Ireland, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Lee-Bentham's breakthrough came in early December when she managed to shoot a 5-under 67 on the fifth and final day of Qualifying School to realize her childhood dream; and become Canada's youngest golfer to earn a full LPGA card for 2012.
In reflecting on her journey as a golfer thus far, Lee-Bentham credits a lot of her success to the support of her family – especially her father.
"My father was the one who introduced me to the game and taught me all the fundamentals. He's one of the very few people who has always believed in me, and supported me every way possible," she said. "He taught me the importance of hard work which has led me thus far."
Lee-Bentham also points out the important role that Golf Canada has played, not only in the development of her game, but the growth of the women's game in the country.
"The state of women's golf in Canada is definitely getting stronger with the help of Golf Canada's developmental programs," said the former Canadian national team member. "Because of Golf Canada, players are given the opportunity to travel around the world, learn from great instructors, and get access to the best equipment."
As the former head coach of the Canadian women's program, and presently the head coach of the men's program, Derek Ingram echoes Lee-Bentham's assessment.
"The ball has really gotten rolling with Stephanie Sherlock and now Rebecca and Maude-Aimee (Leblanc) getting full cards. ...Certainly, the player deserves all the credit, but I also think and hope they have benefitted tremendously from the program," said Ingram. "There are several more coming down the pipeline right now that will add to the list.
"Rebecca is very coachable and an excellent student. She is super smart and works harder than anyone I know in the women's game," Ingram added. "I knew she was going to be a star and am very confident she will be."
For her part, the Toronto native is grateful to have worked with Ingram.
"Derek knows so much about the game of golf and adapts well to the needs of individual players," said Lee-Bentham. "He enjoys what he does; and knows how to have fun with the game."
Looking ahead, she plans to stay true to what has gotten her to this point – hard work.
"My goal is to be the hardest worker on tour and leave the rest up to God," said Lee-Bentham. "This rookie season, I want to learn the most from all the experiences, good or bad, and become a better overall player.
"Ideally, I want to finish top 50 on the money list at the end of this season so I can play the events in Asia," she added. "Both my parents are from Korea, and I've always wanted to go there and visit, but never had the time and money. My dad left Korea to come to Canada when he was 19 and has never gone back since."
She is also motivated by the thought of making her own homecoming next month at the Manulife Financial Classic in Waterloo, Ont., about an hour drive from Toronto.
"I haven't been home since last October, before earning my tour card; and definitely miss all my friends and family in Toronto," said Lee-Bentham who currently trains in Florida. "Since being on tour, I've been getting such great support from home, and couldn't be more grateful to play in front of friends and family."
While she adds that the highlight of her rookie season has been meeting and making friends with so many inspiring people, Lee-Bentham was also asked what she would say to Jepsen if she had a chance to meet the former Canadian Idol contestant.
"It's nice to see fellow Canadians doing so well," she said. "Congrats on all your success.
"And if you ever need a golf partner or some golf tips call me, maybe," added the witty LPGA rookie with a laugh.