Texas Children's Houston Open

Memorial Park Golf Course



The Loop

The Kids Are Alright

July 10, 2009

BETHLEHEM, Pa - The grandstands at the U.S. Women's Open have signs saying, "Kids Get a Front Row Seat."

But Alexis Thompson and Alison Lee, who don't need a ticket, are the youngsters with the best views at Saucon Valley CC. The two 14-year-olds led seven amateurs in making the 36-hole cut Friday. Thompson is solidly in contention, tied for eighth place at two-over 144, five strokes behind leader Cristie Kerr. Lee birdied her final hole to go into the weekend T-28 at five-over 147.

Both teens were born in February 1995, but Lee, a Californian, is 16 days younger than her Florida counterpart. The youngest golfer to complete a U.S. Women's Open is  Marlene Bauer, who was 13 years, four months and 10 days when she finished 14th in 1947. In the modern era, Michelle Wie was 13 years, eight months and 22 days old when she made the cut and finished T-39 in 2003.

Naree Wongluekiet and Kimberly Kim made the cut in the U.S. Women's Open as 14-year-olds in 2000 and 2006, respectively.

-- *Bill Fields