Thornhill golfer makes dream come true at LPGA U.S. Open
Tong, 21, qualfies for Women's Open June 19

June 6, 2014
YorkRegion.ca
Michael Hayakawa

Elizabeth Tong had a dream of some day taking to the fairways to compete on the prestigious LPGA tour.

That vision recently became a reality for the 21-year-old Thornhill resident.

She will make her long-awaited debut in a big way, after qualifying to compete in the 2014 LPGA U.S. Women’s Open championships at the Pinehurst No. 2 course in Pinehurst, N.C. June 19 through 22.

A member of Thornhill-based Ladies Golf Club of Toronto, who recently completed her junior year as a member of the Indiana University women’s golf team, Tong earned the right to compete as an amateur with the best on the LPGA Tour when she posted a two-round 148 at a qualifier last month at Indian Hill Club in Winnetka, Ill.

Tong’s result turned out to be among the top two lowest scores in a qualifying round that were conducted at various courses in the U.S.

For Tong, accomplishing that feat ranks among her personal highlights thus far in a budding career on the links, that commenced when she began to play competitively at the age of 13.

It’s right up there with a hole-in-one she once recorded and a collegiate victory in Las Vegas, she cited.

“I am very excited,” Tong said of her upcoming debut in an LPGA event. “I’ve always thought I might be able to play in an LPGA event some day, but definitely didn’t expect the U.S. Women’s Open to be my first.

“Honestly, I never even dreamed of making it to play college golf when I started playing competitively, so playing in an LPGA event, especially the U.S. Women’s Open is beyond my wildest dreams.”

While elated by this accomplishment, Tong acknowledged she cannot afford to rest on those laurels.

Having never setting foot on the Pinehurst No. 2 course before, but hearing from others that it will present a challenge, Tong will have her work cut out for her if she hopes to be at the top of her game.

In an effort to maintain and improve her competitive edge, Tong has been working diligently under the tutledge of her longtime coach Dave Woods since launching her competitive career.

Along with her parents, Tong was quick to point out a good deal of the success she’s attained thus far in the sport would not have been possible without Woods’ guidance.

“I know I have a lot of work to do,” she said. “I think I will have to shoot even or better just to make the cut. The key will be to make a lot of pars and birdies when the opportunities are given and minimize mistakes.”

Although making the cut is her primary short-term objective at the Women’s Open, Tong hopes her time at the event will serve as an educational tool, as she continues up the competitive ladder.

“In terms of results, I’m hoping to make the cut,” she said. “But my first goal is to come out of this event having learned something new about my game and the LPGA tour experience. If I play my own game and play each shot the best that I can, I will be satisfied,” she said.