But to get her year off to a perfect start, she will have to beat 54 of Australia's best women to claim her fourth pro-am title and first victory in Canberra.

Kemp, of Sydney, joined the US tour last year, her best result an equal 13th at the Longs Drugs Challenge.

But after a year practising and playing with her idols Karrie Webb and Annika Sorenstam she believes she's ready to make her mark.

''It was a big step going to the States after being in Europe but I would have liked to be a little bit more consistent,'' Kemp said.

''I got to play with my idols and people I looked up to and I learned so much from just playing with them and hitting balls next to them and that was a huge experience for me.

''It would be nice to get that first win. [Last year] was my kick-start in the States and I tried to learn as much as I can and I think I know a bit more about what is ahead of me now.''

Kemp will have to fight local contender Nikki Campbell and fellow Australian stars Nikki Garrett and Shani Waugh for today's title.

She turned professional in 2005 and joined the European circuit.

After today's pro-am the Australian LPGA tour heats up with the NSW Open, the New Zealand Open, the Ladies Masters and the Australian Open to finish the season in February.

Kemp put her clubs away for a month to relax over Christmas and now wants to launch an assault on home soil before returning to the US in March.

The 23-year-old's four career victories have been in pro-am events and with three years of professional experience under her belt, she wants to add big tournament wins to her resume.

In her rookie US season she played 20 events and finished 122nd on the money list with $US73,391 in prizemoney.

''[Getting a victory in Australia] is definitely the plan and if I play my best I believe I can win,'' Kemp said.

TODAY

Royal Canberra ladies pro-am, Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla. Shotgun start at 8am and 1pm. Spectator entry is free.