Bradenton, FL – Excitement was in the air at The Concession Golf Club when 66 AJGA players arrived to prepare for the inaugural, all-girls Nelly Invitational. The field is ready to tackle the challenges of the course while competing against the top female junior golfers in the world. Each player is hoping to hoist the trophy adorning the name of the #1 LPGA Tour player in the world, Nelly Korda.
A tour-like experience welcomed the juniors from the start. At registration, they received beautifully assembled swag bags that made them feel like the pros. Then, they were greeted by a luxurious clubhouse that led them out to a perfectly manicured course, guaranteed to impress any golfer. If it was even possible, the energy turned up a notch when Nelly Korda drove up in a golf cart toting her Chevron Championship bag which was accentuated by the Florida sun.
“I am feeling pretty amazing with the weather and course conditions and all,” said Amy Lee, 16, of Langley, British Columbia, Canada. “I saw Nelly just now and she obviously looked fantastic and confident and I am just trying to live up to her and play my game.”
Korda’s champion presence was felt by all. “You can see all the hard work and dedication Nelly Korda puts in,” said Irene Kim, age 16, of Columbia, Maryland. Korda’s commitment to the sport was evident when she took a few minutes to putt after all players tee’d off for their practice rounds.
Korda is more than a top professional, she is an inspiration to all of the girls out in the field. “Nelly is inspiring all golfers right now with her five-streak win and it is really cool to be able to see someone dominate the game at her level,” said Aphrodite Deng, age 14 of Short Hills, New Jersey.
Anna Huang, 15, of Coto De Caza, California shared similar feelings, “Nelly is my favorite golfer, she’s my role model and I look up to her a lot. She inspires me to work hard and be the best version of myself.”
With freshly trimmed greens designed to play fast with difficult slopes, this competition could come down to a putting contest. The juniors have been preparing as much as they can to make sure they can play their best.
The top five players to watch in The Nelly Invitational field are:
- Ryleigh Knaub of Debary, Florida - No. 11 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings
- Aphrodite Deng of Short Hills, New Jersey – No. 13 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings
- Anna Huang of Coto De Caza, California – No. 14 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings
- Amy Lee of Langley, British Columbia, Canada – No. 15 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings
- Irene Kim of Columbia, Maryland – No. 16 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings
“Practice makes perfect,” said Lee. “The course is just beautiful, and it is in really good shape. So I just want to play and get to know the course and find room for improvement because golf is always about improvement.”
Kim and Lee both feel the Bermuda grass might be challenging so they were eager to practice and get to know the course. Others are focused on keeping their normal practice routine. Ryleigh Knaub, 17, of Debary, FL said, “I prepare the same for every event, same practice routine, play before I come out here, eat healthy, and drink a lot of water.”
The top five players seemed to share the same, simple goal - play their best and have fun. Ear to ear smiles were proof they were having a good time. They even laughed as sandhill cranes walked across the practice range coming feet away from their club heads and stopping all play.
Up ahead this weekend, the golfers will continue to be treated like pros. The TaylorMade Tour Truck, donned with colorful LED lights and the latest equipment, sits by the practice green ready to assist players. Players can also swing into the S2 Cognition Mobile Lab where they can take a test to learn more about their mental game. Then, as a special surprise, LPGA Tour player and World Golf Hall of Fame member, Hollis Stacy will serve as a guest announcer on the first tee.
The players are thankful to the AJGA for experiences like The Nelly Invitational.
“I am so honored and I feel that AJGA has been really generous for all junior players, said Lee. “They have opened up a lot of junior opportunities for us and I think that will really help not only through college and university but for whatever paths I have with my golf career. I am really thankful for them.”