ANA Inspiration Storyline: Lucy Li Impresses With Opening Round

Move over Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson – here comes Lucy Li!

Lucy Li will start her 2nd round at the ANA Inspiration at 1-under par, even with Stacy Lewis, Shanshan Feng, and Gerina Piller.

Lucy is one of the great storylines at the intersection of women’s pro golf and junior golf.  She’s a 14-year old from Redwood Shores, California who has an eye-catching game and an engaging personality. She’s earned a tee time at the LPGA’s first Major Championship, the ANA Inspiration and she’s playing this week at Rancho Mirage.

This isn’t her first Major championship. I first encountered Lucy Li in 2014 at Pinehurst #2 when she was playing in the US Women’s Open that year. Even then we’d already had a preview of Lucy Li’s golf talents. She won her age division at the inaugural Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship at Augusta National Golf Club 3 months earlier.

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Lucy was playing with a 1.5 handicap that year. That’s the sort of information that makes grown-ups weep.

Even as an 11-year old Lucy Li was no stranger to big stage amateur competitions. She had already qualified for the US Women’s Amateur Public Links and the US Women’s Amateur. Given her steady progress through the amateur circuit, it’s no surprise to see her transitioning toward pro golf competition.

She earned her Rancho Mirage tee time through the 54-hole ANA Junior Inspiration, an event specifically designed to open opportunities for competitive play to outstanding amateur golfers.

Lucy Li certainly qualifies. Take a look at her swing.

Li was paired with Michelle Wie for her opening ANA Inspiration round. She’s clearly ready to move beyond “the youngest player ever to qualify for the US Women’s Open” sobriquet that’s been hanging off her name for the last 3 years.

https://twitter.com/GolfingWorld/status/847724863229796355

Playing in conditions that were difficult, Li delivered a steady first round on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course. She was averaging 250+ yards off the tee, hit 71% of the fairways, racked up a respectable 61% GIR stat, and needed only 28 putts to make her way around the golf course.

In other words, she delivered a game that put her in the top 25 of the field going into Cut Day! That’s impressive playing for any golfer, amateur or professional, 15 years old or 50.

Next: ANA Inspiration Sleeper Picks

I’m going to enjoy watching Lucy Li play her 2nd round. The question for today: will Lucy make the cut this week? It’s also looking like we need to keep a sharp eye on Karine Icher!