Lucy Li, the 11-year Old Golfer Who Qualified for the Women's US Open, is Still in 6th Grade
By Jason McIntyre
Lucy Li is 11 years old. That puts her in the “tween” crowd, and soon she’ll make the giant leap from 6th grade to 7th grade. She enjoys Disney movies and golf.
In June, she’s going to play at Pinehurst, because Li qualified for the US Open Monday.
"Li’s prominence is not sudden. In April, and immediately before the Masters, the Californian triumphed in her age group section of the inaugural Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Augusta National. She progressed to the US Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship at the age of 10."
Lexi Thompson and Morgan Pressel qualified for the US Open at the age of 12. Thompson, now 19, has found plenty of success in the sport, but still needs to work on her pitching.
Li’s story is terribly impressive – she’s already driving the ball 200 yards – but isn’t it an indictment of the state of women’s golf, too? Why is an 11-year old competing at a golf major against people who are twice her age, out of college, or some who could be her mom?
In related news, my neighbor’s daughter just turned nine last weekend and she went mini-golfing. My other neighbor’s son turns 10 this weekend and for his birthday he’s going to play kickball in the dark, or something like that. My guess is that it’s like “night bowling.”
Li turns 12 in October.
PS – She’s already won at Augusta.