5 Things to know from Lexi Thompson’s run at the Shriner’s Open

Lexi Thompson’s remarkable performance at the PGA Tour’s Shriners Children’s Open on Friday has left the golfing world in awe. Thompson, an 11-time LPGA winner, joined a rare club by becoming only the second woman to record a sub-70 round in a PGA Tour event. Her impressive 2-under 69 places her alongside Michelle Wie West, who achieved this feat twice with rounds of 2-under 68 at the Sony Open.

Thompson’s journey toward the weekend made for must-see TV, despite her even-par effort likely falling short of making the cut. She tenaciously clung to the cutline during the back nine, proving that she can compete at the highest level in the world of golf. Her presence marked only the seventh time a woman has teed it up in a PGA Tour event, with no woman having made the cut against men since Babe Didrikson Zaharias in 1945.

Here are five key takeaways from Lexi Thompson’s inspiring run:

This Was a Win: When Lexi Thompson decided to compete against the men, skepticism abounded. However, her performance in Las Vegas silenced the doubters. Thompson showcased her prowess by driving the ball over 300 yards and battling to remain around the cut line, even if she ultimately fell short. This was a significant moment for Thompson and her supporters.

The Guys Were Impressed: Thompson’s play garnered respect from her male counterparts. Golfers like Michael Kim expressed their admiration for her impressive performance, and many pros on the tour acknowledged the significance of her presence and how it drew large crowds.

Stats Are Cool: Thompson’s statistics in this tournament were eye-catching. She demonstrated exceptional distance off the tee, averaging 301 yards, and displayed a strong game overall, reaching par-5s in two strokes and even driving the green on a par-4. Her impressive stats included hitting 20 of 28 fairways and ranking favorably in strokes gained off the tee and putting.

The Why: Thompson’s participation in the event wasn’t just about golf; it was about inspiring the next generation, particularly Shriners kids, to pursue their dreams. The support she received from the young fans during her rounds was a heartwarming aspect of her journey.

Springboard for November: Lexi Thompson’s next stop on the LPGA tour will be the Annika Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, where she has come close to victory in recent years. The confidence she gains from her strong performance in Las Vegas, combined with her Solheim Cup experience, positions her as a favorite for the upcoming Florida swing. She currently sits at 82nd on the CME points list, aiming to climb into the top 60 for a shot at the season-ending event in Naples.

Lexi Thompson’s incredible display of skill and determination at the Shriners Children’s Open has left a lasting impact on the golfing world. Her journey, though it may not have resulted in victory, has undoubtedly inspired many and set the stage for her future endeavors on the LPGA tour.