“I just need to fire at pins” – Lexi Thompson comes alive late Friday to make the cut at KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2023

The second day of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2023 witnessed several prominent golfers, including Nelly Korda and Atthaya Thitikul, falling short of the 36-hole cut. Lexi Thompson, however, displayed a remarkable resurgence on Friday, carding an impressive four birdies in her final five holes to secure her place for the weekend. This surge propelled her to make the cutline at Baltusrol’s Lower Course, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the championship.

While Leona Maguire, the victor of last week’s Meijer LPGA Classic, maintains her lead in the event, Thompson found herself at T49 after a tenacious round two. Sharing this position with fellow competitors Ashleigh Buhai, Lucy Li, and Danielle Kang, Thompson’s late-game heroics showcased her resilience and determination.

Reflecting on her electrifying round, the 28-year-old golfer spoke about her strategy, saying, “I just need to fire at pins.” Thompson’s shift in approach proved fruitful as she skillfully executed her plan during the decisive moments. Talking to the media after securing her spot at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Thompson emphasized the significance of her calculated strategy and steady execution: “Kind of just all clicked coming in. Made some really good putts and really stuck to my game plan coming in.”

Thompson’s dramatic performance in round two propelled her up the leaderboard by over 50 spots, moving from a position outside the top 100 to a more competitive stance. Despite a challenging start with a 5-over-par 76 on Thursday, she showcased tenacity and skill. Following back-to-back bogeys at the beginning of her second round, Thompson rallied with three consecutive pars before sealing her brilliant comeback with a 25-foot birdie putt on the eighth hole. This late flourish earned her a place in the weekend rounds, with her final five holes played in 4 under par, securing the cut by a margin of two shots. Notably ranked ninth in the world, Thompson’s performance at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship marks her fifth LPGA start of the season, making her comeback all the more remarkable.

With this hard-fought accomplishment, Thompson is primed to build upon her momentum in the remaining rounds of the Women’s PGA Championship 2023. As she navigates the challenges ahead, Thompson’s determination, skill, and strategic approach will undoubtedly keep golf enthusiasts eagerly following her journey on the course.