While Sworn Sister Lexi Thompson Goes Through Intense Browbeating, LPGA Legend Comes to Her Rescue in Style: “If I Could Pick…”

11-time LPGA winner Lexi Thompson is ready to give her best shot at the Shriners Children’s Open alongside the PGA golfers. The 28-year-old is the seventh woman to play with men.

After the announcement of her joining the Shriners Open, eyebrows were raised, and there was criticism from the public and one player. Among the negative comments, her Solheim Cup compatriot, Danielle Kang, took to Instagram to show her support.

Danielle Kang shows her support for Lexi Thompson amid ‘negative comments’

Lexi Thompson was having an underwhelming season, but her performance at the Solheim Cup revived her game. Lexi had a score of 3-1-0 at the patriotic battle and tied on 8th at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. Last week at the Ascendant LPGA benefiting Volunteers of America, Thompson came 5th behind Sarah Kemp.

After her inclusion in the event, there were negative and critical comments. People were skeptical about Lexi taking the place of a deserving male golfer who could use the opportunity better or her not performing on par with a male golfer.

Amidst the negativity, Thompson’s closest kin, Danielle Kang, came to show her support. Kang encouraged Thompson to have “Fun” and said, “If I could pick anyone to take on this challenge in LV (Las Vegas), it’d be you.” The LPGA star has always got the backing of her fellow golfers, be it Jessica Korda or Kang.

Thompson is playing at the TPC Summerlin on a sponsor’s exemption. She hit the ball alongside the male golfers and had a practice round with Micheal Kim and Ben Griffin. However, one golfer in particular was not impressed with her addition.

Peter calls Lexi Thompson’s sponsor exemption a ‘gimmick’

Peter Malnati, a onetime PGA Tour winner, was asked about his opinions on Thompson playing at the Shriners Children’s Open. He said organizers should not “resort to gimmicks to drum up the interest” but soon after backtracking from his statement, he said, ” I should not have said that and I don’t know having Lexi play is a gimmick.”

Thompson, in her pre-match press conference, replied to the backlash and said, “I knew some comments were going to happen with anything. I expected it (the reactions)”. She also assured everyone that she was there to inspire the children and play good golf.

Read More: After Ditching Rickie Fowler, Jessica Korda Still Made a Bold Choice Despite Her Restriction

Lexi is the only woman in the last five years to participate in the men’s golf after Brittany Lincicome. If she successfully cuts, she will be the only woman to do so since 1945. 

Watch this Story: ‘Just So Cute’ A Rejuvenating Little Surprise Delights LPGA’s Lexi Thompson as She Heads to Rewrite PGA Tour’s History