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See Lucy Li, the Youngest U.S. Open Qualifier Ever, in Action

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This photo provided by the USGA shows Lucy Li hitting a tee shot on the sixth hole during the first round of the 2013 U.S. Women's Public Links golf event in Norman, Okla, June 19, 2013.
Lucy Li seen at the U.S. Women's Public Links golf event in Norman, Okla, June 19, 2013.Joel Kowsky—AP
By Eliana Dockterman

Lucy Li made history this week by becoming the youngest person ever to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open at only 11 years old.

The elementary school student from Redwood Shores, Calif. beat the second-place qualifier, Kathleen Scavo, by seven strokes on Monday.

Though many have lamented the fact that someone so young could already be thrust on the national stage, Li is not the youngest person to ever compete in the Open. In 1967, 10-year-old Beverly Klass competed in the event before there was a qualification process. More recently, Lexi Thompson, a 12-year-old, qualified and competed in 2007.

Thompson, now 19, has gone on to turn pro and become the youngest winner of an LPGA event. She has won four LPGA tournaments.

 

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Write to Eliana Dockterman at eliana.dockterman@time.com