It doesn’t matter what occurs for Lexi Thompson at this week’s PGA Tour Shriners Kids’s Open at Las Vegas, her drive off the primary tee Thursday will make it a win within the eyes of her fellow opponents.
Thompson would be the seventh girl to compete on the PGA Tour, when she participates within the third occasion of the FedEx Cup Fall sequence. It’s the primary look for an LPGA participant since Brittany Lincicome within the 2018 Barbasol Championship.
ALSO READ: LIV Golf loses bid to earn world rating factors in unanimous resolution
“It’s all the things,” PGA Tour member Luke Checklist stated Wednesday when requested what Thompson’s participation means to younger females wanting as much as her as a task mannequin.
Checklist, who has a younger daughter, stated it’s “phenomenal” that younger women, particularly those that play golf, can see someone open new doorways.
“I believe that there’s a lot room for development within the girls’s recreation, and continued in our recreation, too,” stated Checklist, the winner of final week’s Sanderson Farms Championship at Jackson, Miss. “However for them, simply having that chance to — on the largest stage — present their expertise, even her simply teeing it up is successful with out no matter she shoots.”
Thompson has not gained on the LPGA Tour since 2019 however performed nicely as a member of the USA’ Solheim Cup crew final month at Spain. The US and Europe completed tied 14-14 which allowed Europe to retain the trophy.
“I do know (Thompson) will deal with it nicely,” Checklist stated. “Simply crossing these boundaries is absolutely necessary and I believe that simply the match being progressive, and giving her the chance, is absolutely cool.”
Thompson agrees with Checklist’s evaluation.
“If I can encourage one particular person, I’d really feel like I’m making progress,” she stated. “In fact, sure, I need to play good. That’s an entire different story. There may be extra to life than performing nicely. That’s what I would like, to encourage others.
“And yeah, we’ll see the place the golf takes me. I do know I’ve performed nicely the previous couple of weeks, and simply take one shot at a time. No matter occurs, it’s a blessing to be right here.”
Thompson may even be capable of liven issues up together with her character. PGA Tour member Taylor Montgomery stated he’s wanting ahead to assembly one other member of the Thompson household.
“Yeah, I believe it’s cool,” Montgomery stated of Thompson’s presence. “I haven’t seen her play, however I performed so much together with her brother, Curtis. Curtis Thompson and I are actually good buddies. That’s one loopy dude, Curtis. I can solely think about what Lexi is like.”