When Lexi Thompson stepped onto the PGA Tour, she electrified the golfing community by becoming only the seventh LPGA player to tee it up alongside the men. Her debut round, a 2-over par 73, was impressive, but on the second day of the Shriners Children’s Open, she turned up the heat, beating herself by four strokes with a stellar 2-under par 69. This remarkable performance brought her tantalizingly close to the Shriners Children’s Open cut line and almost etched her name in the history books.
A Rare Feat in the Making
To put Lexi Thompson’s feat into perspective, only one woman had previously made a PGA Tour cut: Babe Didrikson Zaharias in 1945. Thompson was on the verge of joining this elite club, with just two strokes separating her from making the weekend cut in Las Vegas.
Thompson’s Journey
Lexi Thompson’s journey through the Shriners Children’s Open was marked by moments of brilliance and determination. Her first round, which was partially suspended due to darkness, concluded with a 73. However, her second round didn’t start as smoothly as she had hoped. After an early bogey, she found herself three shots outside the projected cut line.
A Remarkable Turnaround
But Thompson wasn’t about to give up. She rallied with a series of spectacular shots, including a precise approach on the 11th hole and an impressive display of putting skills. She went 4-under within the next 11 holes, momentarily reaching 2-under for the tournament, comfortably within the cut line’s grasp.
Navigating Challenges
Despite her strong performance, Thompson faced challenges that tested her skills. On the par-3 5th, her tee shot found a hazard, resulting in a bogey. Another setback occurred on the 247-yard par-3 8th, where she lost another stroke. Thompson pointed out that handling long iron shots was one of the most challenging aspects of playing on the PGA Tour.
Missed Opportunity
Thompson’s hopes of securing a weekend spot dwindled on the 9th hole, where an eagle could have made a significant difference. Unfortunately, she missed a 7-foot putt and ended with a par. Thompson’s second round performance included hitting 12-of-14 fairways and 14-of-18 greens in regulation, ultimately posting a 2-under 69 and an even-par tournament total.
Joining a Select Group
While Lexi Thompson fell just short of matching Babe Zaharias’s historic feat, she made her own mark in the world of golf. In fact, Thompson became only the third woman to post a round in the 60s on the PGA Tour, joining the ranks of Michelle Wie, who accomplished this in 2004 and 2006.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Thompson’s remarkable performance not only impressed spectators and the sports community but also her fellow competitors. PGA Tour winner Luke List praised the message she sent to aspiring young women in golf. He hopes that Lexi’s performance will inspire girls to take up the sport and set high goals for themselves.
What’s Next for Lexi Thompson
Following her incredible performance, Lexi Thompson plans to take a well-deserved three-week break before her next event, The Annika Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. Currently ranked 82nd in the Race to CME Globe, she will aim for a strong finish to secure a spot in the LPGA’s Tour Championship.
Lexi Thompson’s journey at the Shriners Children’s Open was a remarkable display of skill, determination, and inspiration for golf enthusiasts everywhere. Her achievements have left an indelible mark in the world of golf and will continue to motivate young players to aim for greatness.