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A NINE-year-old(!) just kicked off U.S. Women's Open qualifying with a flawless swing and club twirl

May 09, 2023

Precocious golfers are certainly nothing new, especially in the women's game. Lydia Ko began winning LPGA events at 15, Michelle Wie was nearly making PGA Tour cuts at 14, and Lexi Thompson qualified for her first U.S. Women's Open at 12. Yep, 12. She's 28 and she'll be playing in her national championship for a staggering 17th time in July.

But Lexi could be joined at Pebble Beach by someone who thinks a 12-year-old is, well, old. Introducing NINE-year-old Bella Simoes. That's right. NINE!

OK, so young Bella has a loooong way to go to actually qualify for the U.S. Women's Open, but the Brazilian kicked off qualifying (You need a handicap of 2.4 or lower to enter) on Tuesday morning. And she did it in style by flashing a flawless golf swing—and club twirl! Have a look:

Wow. She's got game. And an Instagram handle. Kids these days, am I right?

According to her bio, she's a three-time U.S. Kids world champ. And is already sponsored by TaylorMade. So whether she qualifies for this U.S. Women's Open or not, we're guessing we'll be seeing more of Bella in the future.