Lexi Thompson’s Las Vegas trip was a Cool Golf Thing

Lexi Thompson, the 2023 Shriners Children’s Open, held in Las Vegas, offered golf enthusiasts a fascinating glimpse into the future of the sport. Thompson’s participation in an official PGA Tour event that included female professionals underscored a significant shift in golf’s landscape.

The fact that such a mixed-gender event has taken this long to materialize within the PGA Tour indicates the need for the sport to catch up with contemporary trends. Thompson’s presence and performance shattered many preconceived notions, leaving an indelible mark on the golfing world.

Lexi Thompson, often described as one of professional golf’s enigmatic figures, shares a semblance of early-career Phil Mickelson. Her talent is prodigious, characterized by immense power off the tee. However, like Mickelson, she has faced moments of vulnerability, especially in major championships.

In 2014, Thompson managed to clinch a major championship title, but since then, her journey has been marked by ups and downs.

Thompson’s 2023 season has been marked by inconsistency. Her inclusion in the Solheim Cup team initially raised eyebrows, but her performance on the course silenced critics. Winning three consecutive matches at Finca Cortesin, despite a shaky start and a frosty post-round press conference, emphasized her resilience and competitive spirit.

When Thompson was selected to play in the Shriners Children’s Open, skepticism abounded. Many wondered if she would be able to contend on a PGA Tour course, given her occasionally shaky short game. However, she surprised many by demonstrating a remarkable level of competitiveness, even if she ultimately missed the cut. Her second-round 69 exemplified her ability to perform at the highest level.

While the DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour have successfully organized tournaments where men compete against women, the PGA Tour lags behind in embracing this vital trend.

Linn Grant’s dominant performance in a mixed-field event, including 78 DP World Tour players, serves as a stark example of what’s possible. The question remains: when will the PGA Tour introduce an official event that allows stars like Lexi Thompson to showcase their talents and compete on equal footing?