AURORA, Ont.– As 12-year-old Canadian Michelle Liu walked up the 18th fairway to finish her second round at the CP Women’s Open, something magical happened. Like a golfer walking up the final fairway preceding a victory, Liu experienced her first standing ovation on the LPGA Tour. It was the emotional climax to a week that featured a lot of “firsts” for the Vancouver, British Columbia native.
“I definitely had a lot of fun,” affirmed Liu after her second round. “I love being able to play in a tournament because I feel like there is so much support.”
Michelle Liu Breaking Barriers on LPGA Tour
For an ordinary 12-year old, time spent during the summer is hanging out with friends, going to the movies and growing up. Michelle Liu is no ordinary 12-year-old. She will come back to school in September with a story that will stir envy with her peers.
Liu was granted an exemption to compete in the CP Women’s Open at Magna Golf Club, as a result of being the low Canadian at the national amateur championship. Her 1 over par 72-hole score at the national amateur championship was a shot better than her fellow compatriot Brigitte Thibault.
With her entry into Canada’s national open, Liu became the youngest to ever compete in the event. Breaking the previous record set by Brooke Henderson, the pinnacle of Canadian women’s golf who Liu consistently looks up to.
“I met Brooke on the driving range this week,” said Liu. “I think it definitely means a lot to me to be able to like talking to these players that I look up to.”
Liu started picking up the game of golf six and a half years ago in summer camp. It was by chance that one of her friends was playing competitively. Her friend’s coach soon witnessed the talent and potential that Liu possessed at a young age. After a couple of competitions, the rest is history. Michelle Liu was on her way to becoming a professional golfer.
Liu Transcends Golf and Sport in Canada
Already at her age, Michelle Liu has accomplished greatness. She has captured two world championships and has finished higher than 14th in 10 events played this season.
While her score may not have been up to par for her expectations, Liu experienced what every athlete dreams of feeling. Receiving endless amounts of love and support from passionate golfing fans at Magna Golf Club and across the country. With her family, including her grandparents from China, here to witness history, Liu soaked in so many of the replicable facets of a golf tournament.
From practice rounds and press conferences to learning from fellow LPGA players and signing autographs. Michelle Liu enjoyed it all and learned a great deal about herself walking the contours of Magna Golf Club.
“It was definitely a challenge, particularly for my mental game,” revealed Liu. “I think being able to get this over with, it will really help me moving forward in other tournaments.”
Golf Canada’s mission is to “grow participation, excellence, and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game.” No one has a crystal ball as to what the career of rising phenom Michelle Liu will look like. But the values that make up her persona; enthusiasm, skill, and grit, transcend the game of golf and sport in this country.
Of all the moments this week, Liu will remember “the feeling of walking up the 18th hole and everyone cheering me on,” the most. Canada has embraced and reveled in the Michelle Liu sweepstakes. It is only going to get bigger as her platform in the sport grows.
