Earlier this year, top-ranked Kiwi amateur golfer Amelia Garvey had to return from the United States, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She missed playing the most exclusive course in the world at the Augusta National Women's Amateur.
But 2020 will come with a silver lining, as Garvey heads back stateside to compete on the biggest stage of all at next month's US Open.
"Last year, I actually missed out by one spot in a qualifier," Garvey tells Newshub.
As one of the top 20 amateurs in the world invited to the US Open, she will be one of two New Zealanders in the field - along with former world No.1 Lydia Ko.
"I've actually teed up a practice tournament with her the day before the tournament starts."
At just 20, Garvey plans to turn pro next year and follow in Ko's footsteps on the LPGA Tour.
"Lydia beat me by a few years... she'd already won a Major by now and a few other ones too."
To replicate that, she'll first need to play tournaments - something that hasn't been an option, since returning home from University of Southern California, due to the pandemic.
"We live for the competition, so to go eight months without that, it has been pretty tough."
While the tournament provides a great ending to a frustrating 2020, Garvey faces the daunting task of going stroke-for-stroke with the best players in the world.
But with her long game likely to suit the Champions Golf Club in Texas, her confidence is high.
"I think I'll be taking the driver out on a few corners - a bit like Bryson [DeChambeau]."
So, can Kiwis expect to have two LPGA regulars going forward?
"Yeah, I think they should - it's been a long time coming," Garvey says.
The wait is sure to make it even sweeter, when Garvey tees off on the world's biggest stage on December 10.
