Lexi Thompson to Make History as Seventh Woman to Play in a PGA Tour Event
Lexi Thompson, a highly accomplished professional golfer with 11 victories on the LPGA Tour, is set to achieve another milestone in her career. Thompson will become the seventh woman to compete in a PGA Tour event when she tees it up at the upcoming Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas.
Thompson will join an elite group of female golfers who have challenged the norms and showcased their skills against male counterparts on the PGA Tour. The first woman to break this barrier was Babe Didrickson Zaharias, who played in the 1945 Los Angeles Open. Zaharias even made the cut, marking an extraordinary feat that is yet to be replicated. Other notable female participants in PGA Tour events include Brittany Lincicome, Michelle Wie West, Annika Sorenstam, Shirley Spork, and Suzy Whaley.
While Thompson’s performance on the golf course this year may not have reached her usual standards, she recently displayed her talent and resilience at the Solheim Cup where she contributed three points for Team USA. Following her Solheim Cup success, Thompson secured an impressive T8 finish at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. These recent performances indicate that Thompson is capable of competing at the highest level and will look to make an impact at the Shriners Children’s Open.
Thompson’s journey in golf began from a young age. She competed in the U.S. Women’s Open at just 12 years old and turned professional at the age of 15. At 16, Thompson became the youngest winner of an LPGA Tour event when she triumphed at the Navistar LPGA Classic. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her skill and consistency, with one major championship victory and multiple top finishes in other grand slam events.
The significance of Thompson’s participation in the Shriners Children’s Open extends beyond her personal achievements. In a statement, she expressed her hope that her inclusion in the event would inspire young women to pursue their dreams without hesitation, regardless of the challenges they may face. Thompson also expressed gratitude to the Shriners Children’s organization for providing her with this opportunity to compete alongside inspirational children.
Thompson’s presence in the Shriners Children’s Open is a testament to the progress the golfing world has made in promoting equality and creating more opportunities for women in the sport. By challenging traditional barriers, Thompson and her predecessors have paved the way for future generations of female golfers to showcase their abilities and compete on the biggest stages of the game.
As Thompson prepares to make history next week, fans and fellow players will eagerly await her performance, hoping she can leave a lasting impact on the tournament and continue to inspire others in the process.