01:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, June 28, 2006

NEWPORT -- Morgan Pressel might be the youngest player ever to be a full-time, card-carrying member of the LPGA, but she does not act that way.

The rookie from Florida has demonstrated that point in many ways, on and off the course. Her preparation for her first U.S. Open as a professional is typical.

Pressel spent four days in Newport earlier this month, touring the course with Ed Duffy, one of the club's best players, to learn as much as she can about the course. She worked with her caddy in compiling notes and doing everything she could to ensure that she is as ready as possible.

"This place is spectacular. They don't put U.S. Opens on bad golf courses. It's going to be a real tough test," she says. "I've played some links-style golf courses, but nothing really this much of a links style. The wind is a real factor here. In South Florida it's windy at times, but some of the courses aren't quite as open as this one is."

Pressel already knows she can contend in an Open. Last year, as an amateur, Pressel tied for second, victimized in her hopes to win when she watched from the 18th fairway as Birdie Kim holed out from a bunker to win at Cherry Hills.

It was her performance in the Open, and later in the U.S. Amateur, which she dominated all week on her way to winning the title, that helped convince Pressel to turn pro. She had already committed to attend Duke, but felt she was ready for the tour. She reaffirmed that belief when she finished in a tie for sixth in the tour's qualifying school.

Still, there was one problem. She was not going to turn 18 until May. She petitioned the LPGA for a waiver of the age requirement, and won her case.

Her aspirations are such that Pressel says she is only moderately satisfied with her performance thus far, which has left her near $200,000 in earnings. The outspoken teenager does not hesitate when she is asked if she made the right decision to turn pro so quickly.

"It's great," she says of life on tour. "It's what I've always wanted to do. I'm really enjoying this year. I'm looking forward to a great week here, and I hope I finish out the year well."

Pressel is one of several rookies who are compiling blogs of life on tour and reporting through the LPGA.Com website. In one of her most recent entries she spoke about her high school graduation ceremonies at St. Andrew's School in Boca Raton, Fla., about how much fun is available at events held in conjunction with tour stops. She also spoke about how she has now played in enough events to be part of the new Rolex World Rankings.

"My initial ranking was number 9," she wrote. "My uncle, Aaron (Krickstein) had a personal best tennis world ranking of number 6, so I have to pick up three spots to match him. However, I'm not concerned about it because I hope to have about 25 years to catch him.

Pressel and Kim can reminisce about last year if they care to do so this week. The USGA, which likes to have fun with pairings, has Kim and Pressel playing together in the first two rounds, with Jeong Jang, one of the hottest players on tour, filling out the threesome.

-- PAUL KENYON