Amid Battling Serious Injuries at the Annika, Lexi Thompson Confesses the Deeply Personal Goal Behind Polarizing PGA Tour Debut

An athlete in the game of golf competes in a lot of tournaments throughout the year. However, some of these events turn out to be extra special for the golfer and take up a special place in their minds. The same was the case for the LPGA icon Lexi Thompson who took part at the Shriners Children’s Open, a PGA Tour event, a little while back.

Although the players on the field duked it out on the course in a bid to win the title and the prize money, it wasn’t entirely the case for the professional. The golfer shared her experience, all the while revealing her real aim behind her participation at the iconic event, in an interview, much to the surprise of the golf community!

Lexi Thompson shares her PGA Tour experience

Thompson is currently playing at the ANNIKA Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican after a month-long break owing to her hand injury. The golfer had taken an MRI which showed swelling on her hand owing to her falling down the stairs. Nevertheless, the LPGA Pro managed to make a comeback into the game at the prestigious event. And, while doing so, she was asked about her experience at TPC Summerlin, where the professional had her PGA Tour debut.

In the press conference, the 28-year-old expressed her disbelief at being able to play at the “Shriners and seeing all the kids and playing against the men” all the while dubbing it as nothing short of “incredible.” The 1X major winner further revealed how she had grown up with two older brothers during her childhood.

Continuing on her response, the American Solheim Cup star recalled how she would always try “to outdrive them from the back tees” resulting in her being “more comfortable” at the PGA Tour event than she initially thought would be. However, adding on, the golfer said, “I was just trying to… send a message to the kids that no dream is too big and they should go after what they want,” all the while disclosing the main reason behind her participation at the Shriners.

Although she had such a grand aim in teeing off at TPC Summerlin, the 11X LPGA Tour champ couldn’t put up the performance that she wanted. Nevertheless, she made it into the list of female golfers who were able to achieve a certain feat.

Thompson becomes part of a special list of LPGA pros

The 28-year-old, by playing at the Shriners Children’s Open through a sponsor’s exemption, was able to become part of the set of female professionals who played on the men’s circuit. She became the seventh athlete following the likes of Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Shirley Spork, Annika Sorenstam, Suzy Whaley, Michelle Wie West, and Brittany Lincicome.

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Thompson was unable to make the cut at the tournament over the weekend. She was only able to register scores of 73 and 70 over the first two days. Nevertheless, being the seventh woman to pull off this feat all the while inspiring people and kids, is an iconic moment regardless.

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