Sponsor invites Stevens, Borovilos keeping the teenage dream alive as 'The Youngins' make the cut at the Dow Championship

By Annie Watson

MIDLAND, Mich. – Following a practice round on Tuesday with Ronni Yin and Danielle Kang, sponsor invites Sophie Stevens and her partner Vanessa Borovilos admitted they were still trying to find their way around the clubhouse at Midland Country Club.

Three days later, Stevens and Borovilos made their first cut at an LPGA Tour event.

Stevens almost didn’t play in this week’s Dow Championship, as the Michigan native signed up for the Suzann Pettersen qualifier event at the last minute.

“I needed something to sharpen my game before I played in the Michigan Am,” Stevens said. “So I gave it a crack, and I played really well.”

When it came to deciding her partner for this week’s tournament, Stevens wanted “someone I would have a ball with but also be able to have success with.

“Vanessa was an easy one because she’s both those things.”

While Stevens and Borovilos realize there is pressure at the highest level in women’s golf as teenagers, the pair have a mindset that is wise beyond their years.

“We know there are going to be bad shots out there. That's just golf,” Borovilos said. “But [we’re] giving each other fist bumps every time we can, trying to make sure we have a good time because that's what's going to be the most important this week.”

Stevens, a rising sophomore at the University of Florida, and Borovilos, who is committed to play at Texas A&M, are 7-under-par, five shots back from the lead. Georgia Oboh and Lakareber Abe, who are the other sponsor invites in the field this year, also made the cut at 10-under.