Sarah Schmelzel 2025: Net Worth, Career Earnings, Caddie

Sarah Schmelzel is a talented and up-and-coming golfer making waves in the industry with her impressive skills and dedication to the sport.

In this article, you will know Sarah Schmelzel’s life and career, including net worth, salary, earnings, and more. 

Sarah Schmelzel’s Biography

Early Career

Sarah Schmelzel’s path to professional golf started in an unexpected way. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, she initially focused on gymnastics rather than golf. As a young athlete, Sarah trained 30-35 hours per week in gymnastics and became the Arizona State Champion in uneven bars during middle school.

Her dedication to gymnastics showed early signs of the work ethic that would later serve her well in professional golf.

Golf entered Sarah’s life when she was just five years old, but it took a special moment to truly capture her interest. In 2001, seven-year-old Sarah watched Annika Sorenstam make history by shooting a 59 at Moon Valley Country Club, her home course in Phoenix.

This incredible performance sparked a passion for golf that would eventually overtake her gymnastics career. By eighth grade, Sarah made the pivotal decision to focus entirely on golf.

During her high school years at Xavier Prep, Sarah’s golf skills flourished. She won medalist honors at the 2011 Arizona State High School Championships and helped lead her team to three state titles during her time there. Her consistent performance and leadership qualities caught the attention of college recruiters, ultimately leading to her commitment to the University of South Carolina.

At USC, Sarah played for the Gamecocks women’s golf team from 2012 to 2016, earning recognition as an SEC All-Freshman Team member and receiving honorable mention All-American honors as a senior.

Professional Career

After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Marketing and Management, Sarah turned professional in 2016. Her journey to the LPGA Tour required patience and persistence, as she first had to prove herself on the developmental Symetra Tour. Sarah joined the Symetra Tour in 2017, where she spent two seasons honing her skills against tough competition.

Her breakthrough came during the 2018 season on the Symetra Tour, where Sarah recorded seven top-10 finishes. This consistent performance included four top-five results in her final five events, helping her finish 13th on the money list. Her strong showing earned her a spot in the inaugural LPGA Q-Series, where she finished third to secure her LPGA Tour card for the 2019 season.

Since joining the LPGA Tour in 2019, Sarah has established herself as a steady competitor who rarely misses cuts. Her best professional finish came in March 2024 when she placed second at the Blue Bay LPGA tournament, earning $208,128. This runner-up finish marked a significant milestone in her career and demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level.

Sarah’s consistent play throughout 2024 earned her recognition from Team USA captain Stacy Lewis, who selected her as a captain’s pick for the Solheim Cup team. Her debut in this prestigious team event helped the United States defeat Europe for the first time in seven years.

Boyfriend

Sarah Schmelzel is currently in a relationship with Nathan Yankovich, a former professional golfer who played on the Mackenzie Tour. Nathan, often called Nate, understands the demands of professional golf having competed at a high level himself. This shared experience in competitive golf helps him provide support and understanding for Sarah’s career demands and travel schedule.

Caddie

Sarah Schmelzel currently works with caddie Taylor “Shota” Takeda, who has become an integral part of her success on the LPGA Tour. Takeda brings a unique background to the golf course, having played college soccer at UNLV before transitioning into caddying. His athletic background and team mentality translate well to his role as Sarah’s caddie, where maintaining positive energy and focus is crucial.

The partnership between Sarah and Shota began at The Annika tournament in November 2024, when he was introduced to her through their shared coach, Chris Mayson. What started as a potentially short-term arrangement has developed into a successful long-term partnership.

Takeda’s ability to keep Sarah positive and focused has been particularly beneficial to her game, with Sarah praising his skill at shifting her perspective during challenging moments on the course.

Before working with Takeda, Sarah has also worked with Kyle Alexander, a California native who grew up in Redondo Beach and began his caddying career at Los Angeles Country Club. Alexander has experience working with other LPGA Tour professionals, including Major champions Jennifer Kupcho and Angela Stanford, as well as South Korean player Mirim Lee.

Sarah Schmelzel’s Net Worth Details

Sarah Schmelze’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025.

Career Earnings

Endorsements

Sarah Schmelzel has secured several endorsement deals that contribute to her overall income beyond tournament prize money. Her primary equipment sponsorship is with Callaway, using their clubs throughout her bag except for her putter, which is an Odyssey Toulon Design Las Vegas model. This relationship with Callaway provides both equipment and financial support for her professional career.

Additionally, Sarah serves as a brand ambassador for LVM Systems, a partnership that reflects her Arizona roots and commitment to supporting businesses that share her values.

LVM Systems CEO Robert Cluff has expressed enthusiasm for supporting women’s golf through Sarah’s sponsorship, recognizing her exceptional talent and determination. This partnership allows Sarah to represent a company that emphasizes service to others, aligning with her personal values and providing financial stability beyond tournament earnings.

Career Stats

1. What is Sarah Schmelzel’s net worth?

Sarah Schmelzel’s estimated net worth is $1.5 million as of 2025, built through her professional golf career earnings, endorsement deals, and smart financial management over her years on tour.

2. Who is Sarah Schmelzel dating currently?

Sarah is currently in a relationship with Nathan Yankovich, a former professional golfer who competed on the Mackenzie Tour and understands the demands of professional golf competition.

3. What was Sarah Schmelzel’s best tournament finish?

Her best professional finish was second place at the Blue Bay LPGA tournament in March 2024, where she earned $208,128 and demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level.

4. Which college did Sarah Schmelzel attend for golf?

Sarah attended the University of South Carolina from 2012 to 2016, where she played for the Gamecocks women’s golf team and earned All-American honors as a senior.

5. Who is Sarah Schmelzel’s current caddie?

Taylor “Shota” Takeda is her current caddie, a former college soccer player from UNLV who brings positive energy and team mentality to help keep Sarah focused and relaxed during competition.