She may be just a seventh-grader at Winnemucca Junior High School, but look out, LPGA!
Ever since taking golf up at age 7, Lily Landt has dedicated her short life to the sport that she loves. In just a few short years, Landt has become one of the best young girls golfers in northern Nevada.
Recently she shot a round of 42 over nine holes at Sierra Sage Golf Course in Reno to qualify for the prestigious IMG Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego, Calif.
The event for the 11-12 year-old age group starts today at Bernardo Heights Country Club. She is the only golfer from northern Nevada in her age group. There are two golfers from Las Vegas that will also play in her age group.
In its inaugural year, 475 juniors participated in the event representing seven countries and 20 states. Today, the tournament has grown to 1,200 participants representing 56 countries and 42 states.
The IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships is the largest international event in the world and is unique for its international representation and cultural diversity.
Landt plays regularly in northern Nevada in the Northern Nevada Junior Golf Association during the summer, as well in tournaments in Winnemucca.
“I was really happy because I beat my arch-rival to qualify,” Landt said. “She is mainly my competition. I love playing golf and play almost everyday.”
She will be competing against players from Japan, Ecuador Argentina, Canada, Singapore, Mexico, China, Thailand and Malaysia.
Landt’s goal is to shoot under 90 in each of the three rounds. The course measures out at 5,552 yards and is a par-72.
Landt still has two years of junior high to complete, but is already looking forward to her high school career and possibly more. She will graduate high school in 2021.
“I want to play golf in college and hopefully more,” Landt said. “I want to play in the LPGA. “If I work hard enough I think I can do it.”
