Lexi Thompson, the LPGA Tour star, has finally made her debut on the PGA Tour, and her performance has left the golf world in wonder. Being the seventh woman to take part in the PGA Tour, her presence on the greens itself marks a historic accomplishment.
Now, as the player keeps progressing, some new updates about Thompson soon being able to surpass LIV Golf stars Talor Gooch and approach Bryson DeChambeau‘s rank on the OWGR charts have stirred a new wave in the golf world. Amid OWGR’s brutal rejection of LIV Golf’s points, what does this new fate have in store for Bryson DeChambeau?
Bryson DeChambeau’s OWGR chart ranking seems to be in danger, thanks to Lexi Thompson
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In her PGA Tour debut, Lexi Thompson showcased her impressive skills through powerful drives, hitting distances of 302, 304, 316, and 310 yards on various holes. Notably, she reached the 552-yard, par-5 9th hole in two shots, securing a birdie with a two-putt. Almost achieving a similar feat on the 598-yard, par-5 13th hole, she landed her second shot near the green, ultimately making another birdie. Thompson’s first birdie came on the 466-yard, par-4 2nd hole, where she displayed precision with her drive and iron, sinking a 22-foot putt.
Her outstanding performance on the Vegas greens has not only surprised the golfing community but also raised concerns. Given her impressive form, her matchplay abilities could pose a challenge to players like Bryson DeChambeau, who, despite his status as the leading player in the LIV Golf League, sits 132nd as per the OWGR, thanks to the Saudi League events not getting ranking points.
Nuclear Golf took to Twitter to post about Thompson’s play and make an observation that has golf fans stuttering in anticipation and anxiety. The tweet read: “🚨📈🌎 Should Lexi Thompson win the @ShrinersOpen in her PGA Tour debut she could be ranked around 160th in the OWGR… Lexi could pass LIV Golf star Talor Gooch (#187) & be on the heels of Bryson DeChambeau (#132). 👀 Lexi is T76 after round 1 play was suspended today.”
🚨📈🌎 Should Lexi Thompson win the @ShrinersOpen in her PGA Tour debut she could be ranked around 160th in the OWGR, per @VC606. Lexi could pass LIV Golf star Talor Gooch (#187) & be on the heels of Bryson DeChambeau (#132). 👀 Lexi is T76 after round 1 play was suspended today. pic.twitter.com/U8OjUDbtC1
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) October 13, 2023
If this happens, it will be a big moment not only for Thompson but for the entirety of the players playing on the LPGA who have been nothing but supportive of Thompson taking over the PGA Tour greens. But what does this feat mean for LIV Golf stars like DeChambeau, who are put at an immense disadvantage?
OWGR, the decision-maker in the golf world, has Bryson DeChambeau on the ropes
The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has always been a pivotal measure in the professional golf realm. Player performances at various events translate into chart points, which not only gauge their abilities but also significantly impact their prospects in esteemed tournaments hosted by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
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However, the LIV Golf League and its players face a considerable hurdle concerning OWGR chart points. LIV Golf was just recently once again denied the request for OWGR points for its event charts, leaving its exceptional performers in a precarious position.
A lower rank on the world ranking charts withholds players from excelling in the golf world. The likes of DeChambeau and Gooch, who have seen remarkable success with multiple wins in the LIV Golf League this season, sit quite low on the overall ranking boards. This in turn affects their chances to compete in majors and prove their metal against the best of the best!
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Whether the OWGR will change their decision, only time will tell; meanwhile, the LIV stars will be looking for every alternate way to make it onto the major fields!
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