Key Points:
* Lexi Thompson will become the seventh woman to compete in a PGA Tour event.
* She has been offered a sponsor exemption to participate in the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas.
* Her participation in the event conveys a powerful message to aspiring young athletes about the pursuit of their dreams.
Lexi Thompson, aged 28, will follow in the tracks of Annika Sorenstam, Michelle Wie West and others to compete against male golfers at the Tour level, making her the seventh woman in history to play in a PGA Tour event. This exceptional opportunity was granted to her through a sponsor exemption for the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas.
She expressed her overwhelming honor and excitement for the opportunity. “I hope my participation sends a positive message to young women that they can chase their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem,” Thompson said. Her aim transcends challenging the men in golf. She envisions leaving a lasting impression that emphasizes to young boys and girls that no ambition is too grand when pursued with determination and hard work.
Thompson, an 11-time tour champion, has not had a smooth golf season this year. Currently ranking 114th on the LPGA’s season-long points standings, she is at risk of losing her card. Nevertheless, she radiates confidence about her game, which lately has shown signs of improvement, notably a 3-1 performance at the Solheim Cup and tying for eighth place at her recent LPGA tournament.
Preparing to play at the TPC Summerlin— a course she never played before, Thompson expects to withdraw her driver frequently. “My focus remains on playing my game and not forcing anything on a longer golf course,” she relayed.
Apart from being a trailblazer in her own right, Thompson’s career highlights include qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Open at the tender age of 12 and securing the Navistar LPGA Classic title at 16 years, setting a record as the youngest winner in LPGA history.
Patrick Lindsey, Executive Director of the Shriners Children’s Open, enthused, “We are thrilled to welcome Lexi to the 2023 tournament. Like our mission to help children live their best lives regardless of their medical challenges, we anticipate Lexi continuing to break through barriers on the course.”
It is crucial to note that Babe Zaharias is so far the only female golfer to make a cut in a Tour event back in 1945. As Thompson prepares to foray into this male-dominated golf event, she hopes to send a strong message and make a significant impact on golf history.
