The freshman from Milledgeville, Ga., will not return to school in the fall, instead opting to turn professional following her appearance at the Curtis Cup at St. Louis (Mo.) CC in June.

“I feel like I came into college with a very open mind,” Ramsey said. “I tried to get off to a good start and have a good run at Clemson, but I kind of thought, my game isn’t exactly where it wanted to be. … I wasn’t accomplishing the things I wanted to.”

Ramsey didn’t realize how tough being a full-time student-athlete was going to be, she admitted. She first informed her head coach J.T. Horton, assistant coach Janine Fellows and her team of her decision in December.

“I told them the direction I wanted to go in and it was tough, but I know this is the right decision (for me),” Ramsey said. “I want to stay involved with the program (Clemson) and still be a positive influence for the team even though I’m not playing. … I love it here at Clemson.”

Ramsey will participate in the team’s three remaining tournaments – the ACC Championship, the NCAA Regionals and the NCAA Championship. In between the NCAA Regionals and NCAA Championship, she will play in the LPGA’s Kingsmill Championship on a sponsor exemption.

She will also play in the U.S. Women’s Open sectional qualifier May 29 at Carolina Trace Country Club's Lake Course in Sanford, N.C.

Ramsey has six top 10s in nine starts for the Tigers in their inaugural season, including victories at the Lady’s Paladin and the Ruth Chris Tar Heel Invitational. She also has a 72.15 stroke average.

She struggled with her play early in the spring portion of the 2013-14 season after her and her coach Todd Anderson worked on a major swing change over Christmas break in Sea Island, Ga.

“I definitely have a lot to work on before next level,” Ramsey said. “It’s going to be a busy couple of months.”

She added that Anderson has been “encouraging about her decision and has always been there to help, my go to person.”

Right now, the 18-year-old has no other LPGA or Symetra Tour sponsor exemptions, but has written letters to a few tournaments. She also plans on playing in both LPGA and Ladies European Tour Q-School in the fall.

“I’m ready to get to work,” Ramsey added, who is currently No. 21 in the Golfweek/Sagarin College Rankings. “I’m really excited for the future.”