Lucy Li will be playing in next weeks ANA Inspiration
(AJGA Photo)

“It means so much for me to win the ANA Junior Inspiration, an AJGA Invitational,” Li said. “This is my first Invitational win so I’m really excited for that as well as the opportunity to play next week at the ANA Inspiration.”

Li, 3-under, for the tournament will now have a chance to tee it up in the first major of the season at next weeks ANA Inspiration.

The Redwood Shores, CA resident took the lead in the second round of Saturday's 36-hole opening day and then played steady golf on Sunday to seal the deal. During the final round Li rolled in three birdies and three bogeys. The birds were carded on Nos. 7, 12 and 15.

Next week in the ANA Inspiration, Li will be playing in her second career major, after she competed in the 2014 U.S. Women's Open at Pinehurst No. 2 as an 11-year-old. Last year Li won the 2016 Junior PGA Championship and played on the Team USA Junior Ryder Cup winning team.

Paphangkorn Tavatanakit tried to rally from behind with a 4-under 68 in the final round but she had to settle for a shared second place finish with Rachel Heck and Emilia Migliaccio at 1-over. Ya Chun Chang, Hye-Jin Choi and Isabella Fierro all shared fifth at 2-over.

-The AJGA contributed to this story

36-HOLE RECAP

After being a seventh place tie following the first round Lucy Li has moved into the lead and she is now one round away from punching a ticket into next weeks ANA Inspiration field.

Playing at Mission Hills Country Club, Li shot an even-par 72 in the first round before firing a 3-under 69 in the afternoon round on the 36-hole first day.

In round two, Li began slowly with two bogeys in the first five holes, however she more than rebounded with five birdies and no dropped shots the rest of the way. For Li the birdies fell on Nos. 7, 12, 13, 15 and 17.

Heading into the final round Isabella Fierro is in second place at even-par while Lei Ye, Karah Sanford, Emilia Migliaccio, Hye-Jin Choi and Kaitlyn Papp are tied for third at 1-over.