Born in Gallatin, Tennessee, Lynn Lim is May’s Featured Player. The 15-year-old, who placed 21st in this year’s ANNIKA Invitational USA presented by Rolex, has been playing golf since her grandpa started taking her to the driving range when she was five years old. Scheduled to graduate high school in 2022, Lynn has verbally committed to play golf at Vanderbilt University. We spoke with her late last month about her junior career so far, why she loves golf and life off the course.
Tell me three words that describe you as a person.
I’d describe myself as funny, driven, and a little bit sarcastic.
What is your favorite club in your bag?
My favorite club would be any of my wedges. I always have so much fun experimenting with them around the chipping green.
What is one thing that no one knows about you?
One thing people may not know about me is that I really enjoy debate and discussing politics. It’s not for everyone, I know for sure, but it’s always been a guilty pleasure of mine watching political debates.
Who is your favorite golfer and why?
My favorite golfer would probably be Justin Thomas. Going beyond his golf game, he is such a genuine person and I have an appreciation for his character.
Have you ever had a hole-in-one? If so, how many?
I’ve only had two hole-in-ones. Neither one of them were during tournaments but a hole in one is still a hole-in-one, right?
If you could play golf at any course in the world, what would it be?
One golf course that I’d like to play while I still can would be St. Andrews.
If you could create a “dream foursome” with two professional golfers and one other person of your choice, who would you choose?
My dream foursome would be with Phil Mickelson, Brooke Henderson, and probably one of my close friends that play golf.
What would you say is the best part about playing golf?
The best part about golf to me is how ironic things can be in your head sometimes.
If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
Being able to fly would be super awesome. I want to travel around the world one day and being able to fly would definitely come in handy.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My dad will always be my biggest role model. He is such an inspiration to me in everything he does. He’s always taught me how to be the best version of myself whether he was aware of it or not.
What is your greatest memory of playing golf so far?
The endless memories with the friends I’ve made through this sport would be the greatest thing this sport could ever offer. Without golf, I would have never have met such great friends I have today.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever gotten that has really stuck with you through your years of playing so far?
There are a lot of things that I’ve learned through people about golf but the one piece of advice that really left an imprint on me was that golf is not a game of perfect. The concept of perfection is just not a thing in golf and understanding this really helped me mentally on the golf course.
What do you like to do for fun? (Besides golf)
I like reading books and I’m a huge music enthusiast. I also enjoy being with my friends in my down time as well.
How do you balance being a student while playing golf? What sacrifices, if any, have you had to make?
Being a student-athlete is not an easy thing to handle. Finding the balance and schedule right for you in order to strive in both the classroom and golf course is really important. The biggest sacrifice I’ve had to make is time. I’ve devoted so much time to my top two priorities as a student-athlete that I have to miss out on social events that most of my friends are participating in. But you know what they say about not being able to have everything.
What was your favorite golf tournament you have ever played in so far?
My favorite golf tournament so far had to be the ANA Junior Inspiration. Not only is the event held at an incredible venue, but it gives girls like me the amazing opportunity to play on a major golf course and a chance at qualifying for a major tournament.
What was your lowest tournament round and where was it?
My lowest round was at Golden Eagle GC and I shot a 65.
If there was one piece of advice you could give to aspiring female golfers who are just starting to play the game, what would it be?
My advice would be to just go out there and have fun. You have to enjoy the sport to be able to trust the process and to never give up. Especially with golf being a sport of patience, never giving up and having fun through it all is what I think is the most important thing is.
What has golf taught you that can be used in regular life?
Golf has taught me a lot of things. But the biggest lesson I’ve learned from this sport that I apply to everyday life would be how to handle a problem. I’ve learned that getting flustered and frustrated about an issue will do no good for trying to resolve whatever the problem is. It taught me how to take a step back, evaluate and problem solve anything life throws at me and to always be persistent.
Coming off a top-10 finish last week at the Rome Junior Classic presented by State Mutual Insurance Company, Lynn’s next big tournament will be the Rolex Girls Junior Championship in South Carolina, June 10-14. Lynn is a true believer that more people should play the game of golf. She explained, “Golf is more than just a sport. It’s a game that can teach you more about yourself and teach you important life lessons and skills.” We couldn’t agree more. Thank you Lynn for being this month’s Featured Player.