10-year-old Latanna Stone somehow shoots 2-under-par 70, qualifies for U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship
More than other sports, golf makes it possible for young phenoms to compete with other golfers who are much more senior and accomplished than themselves (Michelle Wie is a walking, talking testament to that). Still, what Latanna Stone accomplished earlier in July is absolutely ridiculous: The 10-year-old earned a berth at the 2012 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, and she did it based purely on her own talent. She was the medalist winner at her regional qualifier.
As reported by USA Today and other sources, Stone earned a spot at the 2012 U.S. Women's Amateur by carding an astounding 2-under 70 at the regional qualifier near her home in Valrico, Fla. The elementary schooler, who runs her own Twitter account and has a well-developed personal website, was quick to tweet about her recent accomplishment.
"Thanks everyone for the well wishes i received for qualifying for the US Women Amateur," Stone tweeted. "So happy and excited to play!"
She hasn't even reached the U.S. Women's Amateur yet -- that will come Aug. 6 in Cleveland -- but Stone has already won more than 100 tournaments. The Florida native began golfing at age 2, setting the stage for her to become the youngest ever qualifier for the Women's Amateur.
"God gave me the greatest talent in the world, but I don't want to throw it away," Stone told a reporter in a previous interview for Scholastic Kids magazine. "I want to beat the older girls. You have to practice every day, you know what they say, practice makes perfect."
Stone may not be perfect, but she isn't far off. If she keeps progressing apace, she might even find herself competing on the LPGA Tour a lot sooner than anyone could have ever expected, even in the post-Lexi Thompson world.
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