Days After Attracting ‘Gimmick’ Criticism, an Undaunted Lexi Thompson Joins Forces With Rickie Fowler in Quest for New Career High

In the last thirty days, Lexi Thompson has seen the highs and lows. Sometimes at the same time. First came the Solheim Cup heartbreak. Despite being one of the better performers, a press conference blow-up landed her in hot waters.

Earlier this week, she was announced to be the only fifth woman in history to get a chance to play on the PGA tour. But, golf fans were not very open to the idea and later, Peter Malnati, called the move a ‘gimmick’ before quickly retracting his statement. Now, on the heels of this, comes another piece of news, Thompson is set to pair up with Rickie Fowler at the inaugural Grant Thornton Invitational.

Lexi Thompson fills in the shoes of Jessica Korda

It was Jessica Korda who was to take center stage at Tiburon Golf Club in December. But, a personal milestone in her life meant that the senior of the Korda sisters wasn’t going to be present when the Grant Thornton Invitational tees off in December. That also meant Ricke Fowler, her playing partner needed another female golfer by her side. Steps in Lexi Thompson, with approval from Jessica Korda.

Jessica Korda announced in August that she is expecting their first child with her husband, Johnny DelPrete. Due to delivery in February, she has taken a break from her golf career. Now, it has been announced, 11-time LPGA Tour winner, will join in her stead with the four-time PGA Tour winner.

The Grant Thornton Invitational replaces the erstwhile QBE Shootout. The new tournament debuts as a mixed-gender event, consisting of four teams and three rounds–scramble, foursome (alternate shots), and modified fourballs. The pair will be the fourth group along with Jessica Korda’s sister, Nelly Korda and Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala and the rising golf sensation Rose Zhang and Canadian golfers Corey Conners and Brooke Henderson.

Incidentally, Rickie Fowler and Jessica Korda were both Grant Thornton ambassadors. Korda’s absence means, Cobra Puma Golf ambassador, Thompson will probably be announced as an ambassador for this year. Incidentally, the announcement comes just on the heels of another milestone in her career.

Read More: ‘A Gimmick’: After Berating Lexi Thompson’s Historic Feat, PGA Tour Pro Makes a Final Verdict on His Ludicrous Comment

Thompson is knocking at the doorsteps of history

Earlier this week, it was announced that the 28-year-old-golfer is going to play at the PGA Shriners Children’s Open, being only the fifth woman in history to do so. The last time a woman played on the PGA Tour was in 2018 when Brittany Lincicome played in the Barbasol Championship.

Despite having a subpar year, six time Solheim-cupper’s performance at Finca Cortesin and NW Arkansas Championship hints at a revival of her career. If she can carry the momentum and bag the title, Lexi Thompson will etch her name in history and become an inspiration for a generation of female golfers.

Only days after becoming the fifth women in history getting a chance to tee it off against men, this is another career milestone for the American golfer. After Solheim Cup heartbreak, she came back strong in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship finishing at eight on the leaderboard, her highest this season.

Watch this story  ‘Put yourself in those shoes”: Triggered by Lexi Thompson’s press conference blowout Jessica Korda comes to the rescue of the Solheim Cup patriot