Suh with husband Kurt Thompson and their children . The couple met during rounds with member prospects at The Dye Preseve . |
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FAMILY PHOTO PROVIDED |
SHIFTING PRIORITIES She considered going back to school to become a dental hygienist , but decided she “ didn ’ t want to spend all day with my hands in somebody ’ s mouth .” Instead , she worked as a waitress for several months , admittedly enjoying “ the hustle and pressure of it .”
She also worked with customer service on the “ gold floor ” of the Fairmont Hotel in Washington , D . C ., before going to work at The Park at Fourteenth nightclub in D . C ., as the owner ’ s assistant — catering to the needs of guests at the high-end facility .
“ I learned a lot about business , but some days , I was coming home from work when my parents were waking up ,” she said .
So , when Suh received a phone call in late 2016 that the membership director ’ s job was opening at The Dye Preserve , she was quick to apply . Two weeks after her interview , she was back in Florida , greeting prospective members and playing golf with them as they toured the course . Her role in golf and with people quickly made an impact at the club .
“ She ’ s somebody who makes everyone around her feel comfortable ,” said Thompson , who got to know Suh by joining her for rounds with member prospects .
Thompson and Suh became close friends and soon , Thompson found himself wanting to spend more time with her .
As their relationship grew , Thompson went to the club ’ s ownership and explained that it was more than just dating . To their relief , the pair received support from both the owners and club members and married .
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The PGA qualifying tournament in February was Suh ’ s first competitive event in a year . She rose to the challenge after just three rounds of golf and halfa-dozen range sessions . |
The couple welcomed their first child , Oliver , last November . Since his birth , the club has allowed Suh to handle membership paperwork from home while her husband has assumed the role of playing golf with potential members .
RETURNING TO COMPETITION It was Thompson who encouraged his wife to try to qualify for this year ’ s KPMG event . Her first attempt was at the women ’ s PGA South Florida Section tournament last October , but Suh , who won that event in 2020 , was eight months pregnant last fall with severe swelling .
“ My golf gloves and golf shoes didn ’ t fit and I looked like Shrek trying on my golf gear ,” said Suh , who withdrew from the event .
After only six range sessions and three rounds of golf , Suh tried again at the PGA qualifying tournament this February for her first competitive round in a year .
“ I felt like I had to try , mainly because the championship is at Congressional this year ,” she said . “ I ’ m working with a trainer
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and trying to get back into shape , but I ’ m also realistic . Competitive golf is no longer at the top of my priority list .”
Lucas , who taught at Congressional for several years , plans to play some practice rounds on the tournament course with his former junior star in the weeks leading up to the KPMG . He expects a big crowd of well-wishers from northern Virginia to be in Suh ’ s gallery .
“ As soon as she drives into the Congressional parking lot , she ’ ll be ready to battle ,” he said .
And while Suh downplays the significance of this year ’ s KPMG championship , her husband notes that the proximity of the event to her home “ really means a lot to her .”
When asked if he plans to carry her bag , Thompson said he ’ ll be in Suh ’ s gallery encouraging his wife and handling an important family duty .
“ I ’ ll be pushing the stroller ,” said Thompson . “ And I ’ ll be watching as her No . 1 fan .”
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