In pigtails and polka-dots, pint-sized Lucy Li displayed plenty of poise on Tuesday as she talked about taking on the US Women’s Open at the age of 11.

The California sixth-grader, whose family is from China’s Hong Kong, booked her place in the second women’s major of the year by taking medalist honors in sectional qualifying.

Her status as the youngest qualifier in the history of the event has put her in the spotlight, but Li said it won’t put her under pressure this week at Pinehurst.

“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.”

But Li’s achievement in earning a place in the field has prompted concern as well as admiration from older pros.

“For an 11-year-old to actually qualify, on this stage, it’s extraordinary,” said Norwegian Suzann Pettersen, ranked fourth in the world. “Hopefully she can have a fantastic week. I’m sure she’s already met and played with some of our big idols out here.”

But Pettersen also hopes Li, and other young golfers, don’t home in on their sport to the exclusion of other experiences.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)