The asterisk isn’t because Talor Gooch was not given a special invitation by the United States Golf Association. It is not because world #1 Nelly Korda failed to make the cut after taking a disastrous 10 on the par 3 12th early Thursday. Rather, Asterisk Talley is this week’s teenager shining on the big stage of professional golf.

With rounds of 70 and 71, the 15-year-old enters the weekend sitting T-5, just 5 shots off the lead held by Thai golfer Wichanee Meechai. Asterisk (“little starr” in Greek) earned her spot in the field by shooting 5 under in the Fresno, California qualifier. (One of only 2 spots available). Earlier this season, she finished 8th in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and, along with Sarah Lim, won the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship.

The 15 year old high school freshman has been both a pleasure to watch on the course and has been the darling of the press tent. She has answered every question directly, usually with a smile on her face. Her goal this week was initially “to make the cut.” After her one over second round on Friday that goal shifted to “being low amateur, a goal I think I can still obtain.” Asterisk, when asked her thoughts on the experience at her first major, “I’m having the best time of my life.” In a week where 29 year old Lexi Thompson has likely played her last round in her 18th U.S. Women’s Open, Asterisk will hopefully take the advice that Lexi would have told her 12 year old self, “always have fun. Remember its just a game and enjoy all the moments.”

“I Shot 68”

During the 2nd round of the Korn Ferry Tour’s UNC Health Championship, Kevin Velo followed up a first round 1 over 71 with a 2 under 68. Below is his second round scorecard: