Lexi Thompson Joins Elite Ranks as Fifth Woman to Compete on PGA Tour
In a groundbreaking move for women’s golf, Lexi Thompson is set to become the fifth woman ever to tee it up against the men on the PGA Tour. The 28-year-old has accepted a sponsor invitation to play in the Shriners Children’s Open, scheduled to begin on October 12 in Las Vegas. This historic announcement is expected to be made official on Wednesday.
Thompson expressed her excitement and hope that her participation in the Shriners Children’s Open will send a powerful message to young women. “I’m hopeful that my ability to play with the men next week at the Shriners Children’s Open sends a great message to the young women that you can chase your dream regardless of how hard it is,” Thompson said in a statement. She also expressed gratitude to the Shriners Children’s for the opportunity to spend the week alongside inspirational kids.
Lexi Thompson is certainly no stranger to making golf history. At the tender age of 12 in 2007, she became the youngest player ever to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open. Just four years later, at 16, she became the youngest winner of an LPGA tournament when she triumphed at the Navistar LPGA Classic in 2011. Since joining the LPGA in 2012, Thompson has amassed an impressive 11 victories, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s leading talents.
Patrick Lindsey, the executive director of the Shriners Children’s Open, expressed his excitement about Thompson’s inclusion in the tournament. “We are thrilled to welcome Lexi to the 2023 tournament,” Lindsey said. “We are eager to have Lexi on the course and continue to break through barriers.” This sentiment reflects the growing recognition and acceptance of women’s golf on the PGA Tour.
Thompson follows in the footsteps of other remarkable women who have teed it up against the men in PGA Tour events. Brittany Lincicome was the last woman to compete, playing at the 2018 Barbasol Championship. Prior to that, Michelle Wie West made headlines in 2008 when she participated in the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open, and throughout her career, she played in a total of eight PGA Tour events. The other two women to break this barrier include Suzy Whaley, who played in the 2003 Greater Hartford Open, and Annika Sorenstam, who competed in the 2003 Bank of America Colonial.
Thompson’s historic entry into the Shriners Children’s Open is a significant step forward for women’s golf. It not only showcases her exceptional talent but also highlights the progress being made to bridge the gap between men’s and women’s professional golf. By challenging the status quo and defying long-standing gender barriers, Thompson is sure to inspire countless young female golfers to pursue their dreams.
As Thompson prepares to compete against the best male golfers in the world, the world will be watching with anticipation and admiration. Her participation represents a milestone in the sport and serves as a reminder that in the realm of golf, talent knows no gender.