Paris Olympics: Can Lexi Thompson Book a Last-Minute Spot in the USA Team Amid Red-Hot Major Form?

“Ever since I found out that (golf) was going to be an Olympic sport, I was like: Let’s be there.” Lexi Thompson told Nick Faris of theScore with a glitter in her eyes. She has represented the Stars and Stripes twice in her career. In Tokyo, she netted a solo 33, and four years before that, she tied for 33 in the Rio Olympics.,

She wanted to better that in 2024, but her spot at the Olympics was in doubt. Until the 2014 Kraft Nabisco winner started a romping run from Michigan to Washington. What are the odds that you’ll see Lexi Thompson at Le Golf National?

Can Lexi Thompson qualify for the Olympics?

Currently, she doesn’t rank within the top 60 in the Olympics Golf ranking. But majors are where the improbable happens. So far, three American LPGA Pros have qualified for the Olympics. Nelly Korda (1), Lilia Vu (2), and Rose Zhang (9) look all but settled on their spots. The only way for Lexi Thompson to punch her ticket to Le Golf National is to float inside the top 15. 

Per the Olympic rule, a maximum of four players can represent a nation. But only if all four of them are inside the top 15. Currently, there are three golfers from this country who tick the box. Megan Khang is close at 16. But she has missed the cut at Sahalee Country Club. As have Alison Lee and Andrea Lee, both of whom were ahead of Lexi Thompson in the Rolex Ranking. 

If the 29-year-old can manage to seal the victory here, her average points from 51 tournaments (4.54) will catapult her ahead of Khang and possibly Lydia Ko, who is at 15. The Kiwi International has posted 4-over through 36 holes at the KPMG PGA Championship. Previously, Yuka Saso and Nelly Korda both received 100 points each for their two major titles.

The real threat, however, will come from Ally Ewing, and Allisen Corpuz. Ewing, currently 19th in the Rolex Ranking, is tied for 9th at Sahalee Country Club. Whereas, Corpuz (23) is tied for 23rd after 36 holes. What she currently needs is a steady round of under-pars and a major victory to close her career. 

Thompson exudes confidence in her game

Thompson doesn’t want to get ahead of herself. 36 holes of grinding out are still on the cards. Asked about her attitude, the 11-time LPGA Tour winner revealed it’s going to be the same as it was for the first two rounds. That is keeping her nerves still. Thompson made a double bogey on the par-5 2nd and then added another square on her scorecard on the par-4 4th. 

But it ‘could’ve been worse,’ Lexi Thompson said. Staying positive is the key and that’s how the 29-year-old picked birdie on the 6th to stay just two shots off the lead. Asked about her plan for tomorrow, the one-time major winner said with a smile, “Definitely get some rest and come out, have a good warmup, and really embrace the crowd.” Two more rounds of cautious golf can land her in front of a swarming crowd at Le Golf National. As for her passion, let the tattoo of Olympic rings speak for her.