A Pair of New Jersey Amateurs Make Their LPGA Debut
Pictured: Katie Li at the Mizuho Americas Open Media Day
KENILWORTH, N.J. - It’s the Year of Women’s Golf in New Jersey and there is no shortage of elite golf being played around the state.
In just a few days, 42 of the top 50 professional golfers will tee it up at Upper Montclair Country Club for the Cognizant Founders Cup, the first of four LPGA events held in New Jersey in 2023.
Cognizant Founders Cup Tickets (May 10-14)
Shortly after, for the first time in the clubs history, Liberty National Golf Club will play host to the LPGA for the Mizuho Americas Open.
Mizuho American Open Tickets (June 1-4)
In each of those events, the Garden State will have some spectacular amateur talent represented. 2022 New Jersey Women’s Amateur Champion Katie Lu received a sponsor's exemption into the Cognizant Founders Cup, while Katie Li will be competing as one of the 24 juniors in the Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National.
Lu, a sophomore at Michigan State University has seen great success in the last year. On the heels of her Women’s Amateur victory at Glen Ridge Country Club, Lu averages an 74.22 while competing for the Spartans through 27 rounds this season.
The Plainsboro native received the news of her sponsor's exemption while at school in Lansing, Michigan.
“I don't think it's totally sunk in yet,” recalls Lu of finding out about her sponsor’s exemption. “I remember when my coach gave me the call telling me I got this sponsor's exemption. I was so excited I couldn't stop smiling. It's definitely going to be an experience to tee it up with some of the best golfers in the world and more importantly, to pay respect to the 13 women that founded the LPGA.”
She’ll be heading back to the Garden State straight from the NCAA Palm Beach Regional, where Michigan State is competing as the No. 6 seed. Following her first look at Upper Montclair and a practice round, Lu is prepared but not placing any expectations on herself.
“My biggest goal is just to sink in the experience and just enjoy the moment,” Lu commented. It's going to be a great test for my own golf game to see how I measure up with these pros. Playing out here and enjoying all the fans and the atmosphere at this great country club is going to be fun.”
Li’s path to the Inaugural Mizuho Americas Open, hosted by Michelle Wie West was through the AJGA, checking in as the No. 8 junior golfer in the nation and top girls golfer in New Jersey. The juniors will compete alongside one another on Thursday and Friday, and then will join the LPGA players on Saturday and Sunday.
“I never thought something like this could ever happen because it's not every day that you get to compete alongside the best in the game and play at such a great course like Liberty,” exclaimed Li. “When my friends and I heard about it, we were so excited. This is probably one of the top events of our schedule this summer.”
Mizuho Americas Open Media Day Photo Gallery
As tournament host, Wie West found it paramount to find the perfect venue that would highlight the world-class golf and help grow the game for women.
“Mizuho Americas has been an amazing partner and sponsor for the event and New York City is their hub and they wanted to be in their backyard. Liberty National, I can’t say more about it, it’s iconic, the views are spectacular, so there was no other option for us,” explained Wie West. “We really wanted to play here, we’re so grateful that Liberty National has opened their doors so graciously hosting this event. We’re really excited.”
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