Record-breaking Li in the spotlight

All the attention will be on the 11-year-old Lucy Li when the Californian makes her major debut at this week’s US Women’s Open.
The sixth grade pupil, whose family is from Hong Kong, became the youngest-ever qualifier for the second women’s major of the year when she starred during sectional qualifying.
Even though the focus is bound to be on her when the tournament starts at Pinehurst on Thursday, she isn’t putting herself under undue pressure this week.
“The perfect week, I just want to go out there and have fun and play the best I can and I really don’t care about the outcome,” Li said.
“It’s just I want to have fun and learn.
“I want to learn a lot from these great players.”
Despite her tender age, she’s already played at one of the most well-known venues in golf – winning the 10-11 girls age group in the inaugural Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Augusta National – home of the Masters – in April this year.
“It’s awesome, right? I mean, Pinehurst and Augusta National in, like, two months. I mean, that’s just amazing. It’s mind blowing for me,” she added.
While her feat is extraordinary, world number four Suzann Pettersen hopes Li and other golfers in her age group don’t focus on golf at the expense of other activities.
“For an 11-year-old to actually qualify, on this stage, it’s extraordinary,” the Norwegian veteran said.
“Hopefully she can have a fantastic week. I’m sure she’s already met and played with some of our big idols out here.
“I really just hope that they’re also having fun with it and really enjoying what they’re doing. Because it’s a long life. In golf you can play forever, so really enjoy it.”
The diminutive Li, who stands just 1.6m tall, admitted that she “really likes” dancing and “loves” diving, but admitted that nothing comes to her love for golf.
“I like golf because it’s different from other sports,” Li continued.
“Anybody can play it, if you’re tall, short, fast or slow, that’s what I like about it.
“Right now it’s just – play as well as I can and the game’s going to take me wherever it’s going to take me.”
Latest
-
PGA Tour
JT Poston completes wire-to-wire victory at John Deere Classic
England’s Callum Tarren bogeyed two of his last four holes en route to a one-under 70 as he was forced to settle for equal-sixth place.
-
European Tour
Adrian Meronk makes history for Poland as David Law celebrates Open berth
Meronk’s flying finish made him his country’s first winner on the DP World Tour.
-
News
Paul Casey becomes latest player to join LIV Golf series
He opted out of the inaugural Saudi International on the European Tour in 2019 citing concerns over the country’s human rights record.
-
European Tour
Adrian Meronk has the edge as he aims to make Tour history for Poland
A third round of 68 at Mount Juliet means a one-shot advantage on a crowded leaderboard.
-
European Tour
Shane Lowry birdies last four holes to make Irish Open cut
Jorge Campillo tops the leaderboard at the midway point.
-
European Tour
Keith Pelley hits back at 16 players threatening DP World Tour with legal action
Pelley says the sanctions against players who competed in the first LIV Golf event are ‘proportionate’ and ‘fair’.
-
PGA Tour
JT Poston takes two-shot lead at John Deere Classic
The 29-year-old also became the first player on record to open consecutive Tour events with 62 or better.
-
European Tour
Ryan Fox surprised to be leading after opening round of Horizon Irish Open
The New Zealander carded a flawless 64 to set the pace at Mount Juliet.
-
News
Defiant Lee Westwood does not believe playing in LIV should harm Ryder Cup hopes
Westwood doesn’t agree with penalties and sanctions.
-
News
Shane Lowry welcomes closer ties between Tours in response to threat from LIV
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced the next phase of their strategic alliance.