 | | | Photo provided
| | | | | | After competing in the U.S. Women's Open at Sebonack Golf Club last weekend, 16-year-old Elizabeth Schultz has confirmed what she wants to do in the future-become a professional golfer.
As reported in Lamorinda Weekly, Shultz is new to the game; she began playing as an eighth grader. Now a junior at Acalanes, Shultz finished the U.S. Women's Open +6 for the first round and +19 for the second. Despite not qualifying to play in the final rounds (+6), Shultz is excited about her potential.
"This is something I definitely want to do," Shultz explained. "I can really see myself doing this-hopefully, for a living."
Shultz spent last week preparing for the opening round on Thursday. She had the opportunity to practice with top professional golfers, including Birdie Kim, who won the Open in 2005.
It took a few days for Shultz to adjust to the experience of playing with professionals. "On the first day at the practice range, I was so nervous I was like shaking," Shultz admitted. "Towards Wednesday and Thursday I started feeling more comfortable."
Her nerves returned briefly before her start time, when her name was announced on the loud speakers. "I had to go tee off right after that, but I hit a perfect shot straight down the middle so that was cool," Shultz recalled.
Shultz had a great first round, including holing out from 200-yards to eagle.
Starting on the back nine Friday, Shultz faced the toughest hole, the 11th, early in her round. "The biggest challenge is my bunker game and handling the pressure, trying to stay calm," Shultz explained about finding herself struggling to recover from 11th hole.
Over the weekend, Shultz learned that she also needs to work on her short putts, but she is excited about her future in golf. "I definitely have some more work to do, but I am not too far off," Shultz said.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA