Lexi Thompson became only the second woman to record a sub-70 round in a PGA Tour event on Friday when she carded a 2-under 69 at the PGA Tour’s Shriners Children’s Open. Thompson joins Michelle Wie West, who twice shot 2-under 68 at the Sony Open.
Thompson’s exhilarating run toward the weekend made Friday golf at the Shriners must-see TV. While her even-par effort is expected to come up short, the 11-time LPGA winner dug deep to hover around the cutline for the entire back nine.
Thompson became only the seventh woman to tee it up in a PGA Tour event. No woman has made the cut against the men since Babe Didrikson Zaharias in 1945.
Here are five takeaways from Thompson’s inspiring effort:
1
This was a win
Lexi Thompson of the United States walks from the ninth hole during the second round of the Shriners Children’s Open at TPC Summerlin on October 13, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
But Thompson can leave Las Vegas with her head held high after coming oh-so-close to making the cut. Folks who’ve never watched one minute of LPGA coverage saw the tour’s most popular American star hang right there with men, pounding drives more than 300 yards and clawing back to hang around the cut line right to the finish.
This was, in fact, good timing for Thompson. She proved a lot of people wrong.
2
The guys were impressed
Lexi Thompson of the United States plays her shot on the eighth hole during the second round of the Shriners Children’s Open at TPC Summerlin on October 13, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
3
Stats are cool
Lexi Thompson at Shriners Children’s Open
Lexi Thompson of the United States plays her shot from the 13th tee prior to the Shriners Children’s Open at TPC Summerlin on October 11, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
4
The why
Lexi Thompson signs a golf ball for a young fan during the first round of the Shriners Children’s Open golf tournament at TPC Summerlin. Mandatory Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
Thompson said from the beginning playing this week was about more than golf. It was about inspiring the next generation – especially Shriners kids – to pursue their dreams.
Few get the chance to chase history like Thompson did on Friday in the desert, and the support she felt down the stretch was special for the veteran player.
“Just seeing the amount of kids that were out there screaming, ‘Lexi Lexi, go Lexi!’ it makes me tear up sometimes,” she said, “because that’s what I play for, to inspire these kids.”
5
Springboard for November
Lexi Thompson at Shriners Children’s Open
Lexi Thompson of the United States plays her shot from the fourth tee during the first round of the Shriners Children’s Open at TPC Summerlin on October 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
