‘There are definitely concerns’: Lexi Thompson Solheim Cup-bound amid career-worst slump

In the lead-up to the 2023 U.S. Solheim Cup team selection, three distinct paths beckoned players. Firstly, finishing among the top seven on the points list at the culmination of the qualifying period on August 27 was a surefire ticket. Second, securing one of Stacy Lewis’ three coveted captain’s picks was another avenue. Lastly, there was the possibility of entry for the highest-ranked players on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, provided they didn’t qualify through the points system.

In an intriguing turn of events, this third route led to the selection of two players with vastly differing fortunes this year – Rose Zhang and Lexi Thompson. Zhang, a 20-year-old LPGA rookie, has been a sensation, securing her place with remarkable performances and climbing to 30th in the world rankings. Thompson, on the other hand, has experienced a challenging season with seven missed cuts and a ranking plummet to 196th in Strokes Gained, raising questions about her readiness for the Solheim Cup.

Lexi Thompson’s journey this year stands in stark contrast to her previous successes. She’s encountered a slump with minimal top-30 finishes, a 196th Strokes Gained ranking, and subpar statistics in crucial areas of her game. Struggling both on and off the course, her playing privileges for 2024 hang in the balance. Despite this, Captain Stacy Lewis has noted Thompson’s resilience in dealing with her struggles and remains cautiously optimistic about her potential contributions in Spain.

Thompson’s unexpected career low serves as a stark departure from her promising 2022 season. While she continues to display her trademark power off the tee, her accuracy has faltered, leading to frequent missed greens. The concern lingers that Thompson might be more of a liability than an asset, especially in the critical Sunday singles matches where each player takes center stage, given her mixed Solheim Cup track record. Yet, Lewis believes in her determination and is banking on Thompson’s experience to bolster the team, both on and off the course, as they prepare for the Solheim Cup in Spain.