PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. – Megha Ganne, the electric Stanford star with the mega-watt smile, is now a pro.

Ganne was still in high school when she played in the final group at The Olympic Club five years ago. Now she’s days away from college graduation at Stanford and speeding toward her first tee shot as a professional in the opening round of the 81st U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club.

“Felt like I was on top of the world,” said Ganne of what it was like as a 17-year-old contending on the biggest stage in women’s golf, “but I guess it just keeps getting better.”

Ganne is one of four players turning pro this week. She’s joined by USC standout Catherine Park, Louisiana-Monroe graduate Johanna Sjursen, and 19-year-old Siuue Wu, who wrapped up her sophomore year at Florida.

It’s a good week to turn professional with an eight-figure purse on the line and primetime television.

Ganne, the reigning U.S. Women’s Amateur champion who clinched the NCAA team title for Stanford last week, is also the winner of the Juli Inkster Award presented by Workday. The award is given to the highest-ranked college player in her final year of eligibility and comes with a sponsor exemption to The Standard Portland Classic, a $50,000 cash prize and a mentorship retreat with the incomparable Inkster.

“She’s a legend of our game,” said Ganne. “It’s super cool that she has this award for graduating seniors and shows her commitment to college players and aspiring professionals … it’s really exciting to feel like you have someone in your corner, especially someone like her.”

Inkster, a seven-time major winner, was a three-time All-American at San Jose State, winning 17 titles during her college career. With Inkster living not far from Stanford’s Palo Alto campus, Ganne has already developed a relationship with the LPGA star.

In addition to Inkster Award, Ganne also topped the LPGA’s LCAP rankings, which ensures immediate Epson Tour status. She’s also exempt into the final stage of LPGA Q-School. In addition to the $50K, Ganne takes an impressive list NIL sponsors with her to the professional ranks, including Ernst & Young, Delta, Mizuho, TaylorMade, Ralph Lauren and Liberty National.

Ganne, who helped the Cardinal win two NCAA titles, struggled earlier in the spring season at her beloved Augusta National Women’s Amateur, missing the cut. She said she has taken positives from the downturn, noting that she’s always wondered how playing poorly in a big event would impact her.

“Maybe not fear is the right word, but just curiosity of what that would look like and how that would affect me,” she said. “At ANWA I learned the answer, and the answer is absolutely nothing. Life goes on.”

A new chapter begins.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Stanford’s Megha Ganne one of four players turning pro at U.S. Open