Youngsters Teeing Up in the US Women’s Open

Her name is Rachel Heck, she still goes to school and she is one of the finest teenage golfers in the United States. This week she will also be the youngest player in the US Women’s Open field.

The 15-year-old won a coveted place in the Grand Slam event – being held at Trump National in Bedminster (New Jersey) – thanks to finishing second in one of the qualifying events.

“I’m really nervous, but even more excited,” she said, adding that it was “a dream come true”.

In spite of her youth, Heck is by no means the youngest player to qualify for the US Women’s Open. That honour is held by another American, Lucy Li, who was 11 when she gained a place in the 2014 championship. Lexi Thompson and Morgan Pressel were 12 when they debuted in the event, and Michelle Wie (who won in 2014) was 13 in her first appearance in 2003.