Lexi Thompson's PGA Debut
Lexi Thompson, 7th LPGA player to compete on the PGA Tour, shot 2-over 73 in her debut round and improved to 2-under 69 on Friday, coming close to the cut line at the Shriners Children’s Open. She's just two shots away from making history as only one woman, Babe Didrikson Zaharias in 1945, has ever made a PGA Tour cut.
Thompson's second round didn't start as planned. She bogeyed the par-4 10th hole, her first hole, after flying the green and failing to get up-and-down for par. This put her at 3-over for the tournament, three shots outside the projected cut line at the time.
However, she quickly turned things around by sticking her approach to just four feet on the par-4 11th, leading to a birdie. This boost of momentum set the stage for an impressive comeback. Thompson went 4-under over her next 11 holes, at one point reaching 2-under for the tournament, a score that would have placed her comfortably inside the cut line.
Thompson's exceptional play continued, with a remarkable 275-yard approach on the par-5 13th and a 285-yard drive on the drivable par-4 15th, where she two-putted for birdie. She also sank 23- and 28-foot putts on holes 1 and 2 for back-to-back birdies, solidifying her chances of making the cut.
Thompson's weekend hopes faded after hitting a hazard on the 5th hole and losing a shot on the 8th. She struggled with long iron shots on the PGA Tour.
Thompson narrowly missed an eagle on the 9th but settled for par, showcasing her skill with a 2-under 69 in Round 2, leaving her even-par for the tournament.
While Thompson may not have matched Zaharias's historic feat, she has joined a prestigious list of women. According to golf statistician Justin Ray, Thompson posted just the third round in the 60s by a woman on the PGA Tour. The other two were accomplished by Michelle Wie, who shot 68 at the Sony Open in 2004 and again in 2006.
Thompson not only impressed the Las Vegas spectators and the larger sports community but also garnered praise from her competitors. Last week's PGA Tour winner, Luke List, had some kind words for her.
After this event, Thompson plans to take three weeks to rest before her next competition, The Annika Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. Currently ranked 82nd in the Race to CME Globe, she will need a strong finish to secure a spot in the LPGA's Tour Championship.
