Is Eleven year old Lucy Li What's Best for Golf?

     Last Monday, golfer Lucy Li became the youngest to qualify from California for the U.S. Women's Open, clinching the qualification at eleven years old. She will compete against women mainly three times older than her. Previously, Lexi Thompson was the youngest to qualify at the age of twelve years old. Li is a great story for the game of golf, but is this what is best for the game of golf?

     Is Lucy Li giving up her childhood for golf?

     Eleven is extremely young to be playing on the biggest stage. I don't believe that an eleven year old is mature enough to compete mentally. There is a point when a child experiences too much at one time and will become overwhelmed mentally. Eleven is too young to be going through this.

     Also at eleven, children should be playing, gaining knowledge, and learning how to become and make friends. It is a critical part and age in the transition of child to young adolescent. I think Li misses out on this critical point.

     Li has golfed since seven years old, working with some of the best trainers ever since. She also has great composure while playing, rarely ever getting upset, always staying calm. Is this usual? I don't believe it is normal for a seven year old to never get upset, scream, throw things, etc. She has the credentials however. She has won many tournaments already, which include a Drive, Putt, and Chip Championship, a national competition of skills. The time and effort have definitely paid off skills wise for Li.

     But I still remain critical of allowing her to play, regardless if she plays just as well as any one else on the LPGA tour. I think it would be uncomfortable for a 30 year old women to play against her. And what happens if Li is in the hunt to win? What would that 30 year old feel facing them? I'm not sure how comfortable it would be to beat an eleven year old on the last hole, last round, last putt...

     Maybe it is just me, but I don't think letting Lucy Li is what is best for the LPGA. People have played who are relatively the same age as Li and no one made a big deal of it, but I just would not feel comfortable having her playing in one of the most prestigious tournaments against women three times her age.