Exactly a year ago, Lexi Thompson made a groundbreaking and historic move to grow women’s golf. The 29-year-old pro made her debut on the men’s circuit, the PGA Tour at the Shriners Children’s Open and became only the seventh woman in history to play an event on the PGA Tour. Even though Thompson had a busy LPGA Tour schedule, she still received an invitation to become a part of the event.
For the 11-time LPGA Tour winner, there were no second thoughts. She said, “It was basically an automatic yes. It was kind of last minute, last notice. I was like, ‘Alright, OK, let’s go.’ I didn’t know that it was in the works, but I’m very happy that it was.” And just like that Thompson made history. So, why not this year as well? In 2023, the LPGA Tour star was playing on a sponsor exemption and it is not always the case that a pro would get an exemption or an invitation.
Secondly, even if she did get an exemption, it would not have been possible for Thompson to tee up at TPC Summerlin. The reason behind this is that the 29-year-old pro is suffering from a wrist injury. Thompson injured her wrist in 2023 as she overworked herself during a break. Now it seems that her injury has resurfaced. The tall LPGA golfer shared a post on Instagram and notified her fans that she would be taking a break as her wrist “has gotten worse” and hopefully, finish the year on a better note.
Notably, this will be the last year for Thompson as a golf professional. Thus, she would want to make it a memorable and lasting one but her injury may disrupt her plans for more events. Nonetheless, if the recovery goes perfectly, Thompson may participate in the Annika Driver By Gainbridge on November 14. While she will miss the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open, how did Thompson perform last year?
Lexi Thompson’s 2023 Shriners Children’s Open results
It was a historic day for Lexi Thompson and the golf fans, as many were present at TPC Summerlin to witness Thompson tee up her first shot. As she is one of the high hitters on the LPGA Tour, the fans expected that she would not disappoint and easily make the cut among all the PGA Tour pros. Thompson started day one with a bit of struggle on the front nine, as she made two bogeys and one double bogey while draining two birdie putts.
As she moved to the back nines, Thompson had collected herself, and with one more birdie and bogey at par-3 on the 17th, she finished her opening round at 2 over 71. On the next day, the LPGA star’s score improved. Thompson posted 2 under 69 as she carded five birdies in her second round. However, her total score of even par could not allow her to play the weekend of Shriners Children’s Open as she missed the 3-under cutline.
Although it was a bit disappointing, Thompson did not lose her spirit. Despite it, she said, “Very proud. I played really well today.” Additionally, the 29-year-old pro explained why she wasn’t dejected by the results. Thompson added, “Just coming into the week there was more of a message than just playing golf. To inspire the kids, that’s what I enjoy most.” As it is the last full schedule of Lexi Thompson as a pro, let’s remain hopeful that in 2024 she may get the strength and guidance to make an awesome exit from pro golf!
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