The Newcastle driving range is in full swing on an overcast June morning as members of the weekday crowd get an early start on the area’s most picturesque course. Among them stands a slightly built teenager neatly sporting a white polo shirt and matching hat, unassuming right up until the moment she takes a swing. The youngster sends charging rising line drives down range and leaves deftly placed flop shots neatly around the flag, all the while looking completely at home.

Marianne Li’s comfort level on the golf course is no coincidence. After taking up the game in elementary school at a summer camp, Li became part of The First Tee, an organization with connections throughout the golf world that helps connect youngsters to the sport. While other activities like marching band make her uneasy, the countless hours spent tuning the physical, psychological and emotional aspects of golf has made the course Li’s safe haven.

“I used to be on a swim team, but now it’s just golf,” Li said.

As her game has progressed, so too has the time commitment. Li said she spends a couple hours per day on the range or out on the course. In an effort to mitigate the impact of the weather, her father created an indoor setup for putting. In addition to her time with the Newport High School squad, which she helped to the 4A KingCo title, Li also plays tournaments through American Junior Golf Association, Washington Junior Golf Association and Northwest Junior Golf.

“I’ve been playing gradually bigger tournaments,” Li said. “Right now I’m just thinking of getting a scholarship and playing in college.”

Longtime Newport head coach Frank Nimmo has no doubt that goal, along with even loftier accomplishments, are in Li’s future.

Even after working with a host of standouts for both the Knights’ boys and girls squads, Nimmo had no reservations about where Li stands both on the course and off.

“She is the most accomplished we have had at Newport, by far,” Nimmo said. “I just have so much respect for her as a person and a golfer.”

Li, who has known Nimmo since middle school after her parents won her a round of golf with the coach at the booster club auction, said she is grateful for his willingness to teach her about mental toughness and other aspects of golf, rather than trying to impart his personal touch on her swing. And the work has begun to pay dividends.

Though she still admittedly struggles at times to keep her emotions in check and remain focused on the next shot, instead of the last one, Li said she has made great strides, thanks in large part to Nimmo. She finished her first prep state meet in fifth place after winning league and district Medalist honors, helping the Knights to a team championship on both occasions.

“I have to accept whatever happens because I cant control anything but my emotions,” Li said. “You can’t let one bad thing effect you, you have to just let it go in your mind.”

Her patience has been increasingly tested as Li has traveled around the country for a variety of tournaments. Her most recent challenge came as the representative of The First Tee of greater Seattle at a tournament that paired her with Champions Tour player Jim Rutledge.

One of only 81 junior golfers from around the U.S. that took part, Li interacted with professional players and coaches and got a brief glimpse of life on tour. With three more years of high school, Li has more than enough time to decide where her golf career will take her. But she has a hard time seeing herself away from the course for long.

Her patience has been increasingly tested as Li has traveled around the country for a variety of tournaments. Her most recent challenge came as the representative of The First Tee of greater Seattle at a tournament that paired her with Champions Tour player Jim Rutledge.

One of only 81 junior golfers from around the U.S. that took part, Li interacted with professional players and coaches and got a brief glimpse of life on tour. With three more years of high school, Li has more than enough time to decide where her golf career will take her. But she has a hard time seeing herself away from the course for long. “It feels like I’m missing something,” Li said of even a two-day break.

The time commitment to golf comes with its setbacks as well, notably the lack of time for socializing. But with parents who have repeatedly delivered the message that her own future is where her focus should remain, Li knows her payday will eventually come.

“I don’t really have a social life. All my friends tell me all I do is golf,” Li said. “In the long run, I want to be good at golf, not wasting time hanging out.”

Li hits a tee shot at the driving range at Newcastle. JOSH SUMAN, Bellevue Reporter.

An increased focus on the mental and emotional side of the game has been important for Li, especially on the putting green. JOSH SUMAN, Bellevue Reporter.

Contacts and submissions: jsuman@bellevuereporter.com