JERSEY CITY (New Jersey) – At this week’s Mizuho Americas Open there’s an event within an event. It’s exactly the type of tournament that shows the true heart of the sport.
Top 24 girls from the AJGA rankings have been invited to compete in Liberty National’s Stableford format. Juniors will compete together in the first two rounds between the LPGA waves. They’ll play with the pros over the weekend.
It’s not just that Mizuho is providing a caddie and a travel allowance of $1,500 for the juniors. No parents or coaches are permitted to loop.
The tournament host Michelle Wie West facilitated a program called big sisters so juniors can leave this week with a new relationship.
Wie West said, “At our pairings party, we paired them up. Every junior with their professional.” They exchanged numbers, and today they are going to play a round of practice and have a meal.
The exchange of numbers is important because if there are any questions, they can text one another. “I remember the first phone number I received from Meg Mallon… it was just so great to be able to contact such a talented player.”
Marina Alex, as an example, played with Sara Im who is a Vanderbilt commitee. Alex was also a Vanderbilt student.
Alex said, “I remember when I was junior there wasn’t anything like this.” You would have to come out and play a professional tournament as an amateur, or if you were a junior or if you had qualified for the U.S. Open.
The juniors Gianna clemente, Yana wilson and Katie li took part in the pre-tournament media conference on Wednesday following World No. 1 Jin Young Ko.
Wilson, the winner of the U.S. Girls’ Junior in 2022, played a round with Andrea Lee and said that she was the most nicest professional ever. Li paired up with Lilia Vu, while Clemente partnered with Paula Creamer.
Wilson and Clemente both reported that they enjoy talking to the press, having gained a lot of experience in this area over the past few years.
Li, who verbally committed herself to Duke, expressed her appreciation for the chance to see how an LPGA event is run.
“Big thanks to all who helped host this event,” Li said. Without them, I wouldn’t have – I’m hoping that I’ll be able to experience it in the future but at least, I will at least (have) been inside the ropes at least once in life.”
