After an underwhelming experience in both the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup, American golf fans are eagerly awaiting the Grand Thornton event. This team event, a rare mixed pair tournament where LPGA and PGA Tour professionals team up, boasts a substantial $4 million prize pool, generating significant anticipation within the golfing community.
For fans of Jessica Korda, this event held special significance as they hoped for her comeback, pairing with Rickie Fowler. Korda, currently on a pregnancy break, had to withdraw from the Grand Thornton. As a result, many fans were eagerly speculating on her replacement, with a strong inclination toward Nelly Korda. However, it was Lexi Thompson who ultimately secured the coveted spot.
Lexi Thompson’s rise to the occasion can be attributed to an intriguing twist. Following Jessica Korda’s withdrawal, Rickie Fowler initiated a contest. Fans who correctly guessed Korda’s replacement had the chance to win Fowler’s bag from the event. While Nelly Korda’s name was a popular choice, it was Lexi Thompson who validated her partnership with Fowler, confirming the news through an Instagram update shared by the Grand Thornton Invitational’s official page.
In her Instagram story, Thompson expressed her excitement about the event and praised Fowler, referring to him as the “ultimate professional.” She conveyed her anticipation for a great week in Naples. It’s worth noting that some fan predictions had correctly guessed Thompson as the replacement, with one lucky fan set to receive Fowler’s bag.
Besides Lexi Thompson and Nelly Korda, several other names were suggested as possible replacements for Jessica Korda. Notably, Thompson herself, her Solheim Cup teammate Danielle Kang, and former World No.1 Lydia Ko were among the popular choices.
Lexi Thompson’s journey to the Grand Thornton Invitational is marked by her recent success. After an impressive showing at the Solheim Cup, the 28-year-old has been on a roll. She secured three wins out of four matches during the Solheim Cup, including a singles victory against Emily Pederson. In the first two days of the competition, she won both her matches alongside Megan Khang. Her only loss came in the afternoon session of day one.
Following her Solheim Cup performance, Thompson continued to shine. She finished tied for 8th place at the Arkansas event and achieved a top 5 finish at the Ascendant Championship.
But that’s not all. Lexi Thompson received the honor of an exemption to play in the Shriners Open alongside PGA Tour professionals, a coveted invitation for many golfers.
With her remarkable performance and recent successes, it’s clear that Lexi Thompson’s momentum is on an upward trajectory, leaving her fans with much to look forward to.
