While most 11-year-olds are currently preparing to enjoy their summer vacation, Lucy Li is playing in a professional golf tournament. Even though two double bogeys and a triple bogey soiled her Women's U.S. Open debut, she took it all in stride.
Li, the youngest girl to ever enter the tournament, finished her performance on the 6,296-yard Pinehurst No. 2 layout with a round of eight-over-par 78,
Li fell well behind the leader and two-time major winner Stacy Lewis, who is the top-ranked golfer and carded a bogey-free 67.
Despite falling behind, Li was excited for the opportunity.
"It was a lot of fun," Li told the New York Times. "I kind of struggled today, but it was great."
The 5-foot-2 Li was adorned in a patriotic red, white and blue outfit with her shirt designed as the American Flag with hearts in the blue square instead of stars, and she was asked about why she chose that outfit afterwards.
"Because it's the U.S. Open," the braces-sporting Li said. "I like red, white and blue, too."
Despite an uneasy start to her day, Li said she was never nervous and she took poise in bouncing back from a tough start to the afternoon.
"I learned that you've got to be patient," Li said. "One shot at a time. Try to get rid of the big numbers."
After a memorable afternoon and a record set as the youngest person to play in the tournament, Li was just excited to get the first day out of the way and she was somewhat pleased with her score.
"I'm happy I broke 80," Li said, "because I got two doubles and a triple, and that can really ruin a score. I guess I am glad that I got it over with, but I'm also excited for tomorrow."
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