Not the $8.4M Title, but Lexi Thompson Had an Ulterior Motive for Making Her PGA Tour Entry

Lexi Thompson has indubitably been at the center of attention in the golfing world owing to her special appearance at the PGA Tour event. The golfer managed to etch her name in the history books as she took to the course of the Shriners Children’s Open.

The field in Las Vegas would be playing for a $8.4 million prize pool cut. However, the LPGA Tour Pro admitted to having a different aim for taking part in the event; an underlying rationale behind her PGA Tour entry!

Lexi Thompson opens up on her PGA Tour debut

The golfer did not make the cut, finishing at 85th position, and registering scores of 73 and 69 coming off the first two rounds, making it an even par score. Although she didn’t have the best of tournaments, the 28-year-old reflected on her debut in the circuit in an interview, all the while disclosing her real aim.

In an interview during the event, the Solheim Cup star mentioned how it was a “special week” and an “honor” to be invited to the tournament. The professional pointed out how being able to “play with the men” all the while “inspiring those kids” is all she has ever wanted.

Although the 11X LPGA Tour champ saw a lot of golfers above her on the scoreboard, she didn’t let it dishearten her as she focused on the children “watching and cheering her name.” Moreover, disclosing the reason behind teeing up this week, the 1X major winner expressed her desire to stimulate the kids to “follow their dreams and go after what they want.”

However, not everyone had the same opinions as that of Thompson. A PGA Tour pro had initially dubbed the sponsor’s exemption as nothing short of a “gimmick.”

PGA Tour regular’s view on Thompson’s invite

American golfer, Peter Malnati, who is a part of the men’s circuit, had high praises for the LPGA Tour pro. Even so, he opined that the invitation might have been a “gimmick” by the tournament to “drum up interest.”  The 2015 Sanderson Farms Championship winner alluded to how it might have been a bit of a stretch to do so.

ALSO READ – Lexi Thompson Doesn’t Find a Reason to ‘Comment’ but Fans Do: Viral Moment From Enemy’s Territory to Haunt the Pro Forever

However, Malnati realized the slip of his tongue and corrected his statement to mention how he doesn’t know if having Thompson play is a publicity stunt all the while pointing out how the tournament didn’t have a reason to do so since they already had a lot of meaning. Nevertheless, being the seventh woman to do so in the sport’s history is an iconic moment nonetheless.

Watch This Story | As Rose Zhang Lays the Groundwork For the Upcoming Solheim Cup, She Expresses Her Excitement Over Future Teammate’s Maiden PGA Tour Victory