Lexi stars at Navistar
No doubt the biggest story in golf this week is Lexi Thompson winning the LPGA Navistar Classic by a decisive five shots and becoming the youngest-ever winner in the 61-year history of the LPGA at 16 years, 7 months and 8 days.
“It feels amazing,” said Thompson who lives in Coral Gables, Florida. “I can’t even describe it. It’s been my dream my whole life just to play out here. Getting a win right now, I can’t describe the feelings, but it’s the best feeling ever.”
Lexi entered the final round with a five-shot lead — a comfortable margin, but could she handle her nerves? Last time she entered the final round tied for the lead was also in Alabama — at the Avnet LPGA Classic, where she carded two double-bogeys on the back nine and shot 78. Which was forgivable considering her youth, but more important, how would she perform the next time she was in that position?
Today was proof she learned from the experience. Other than two consecutive bogeys on Nos. 11 and 12, she kept her composure and even posted two birdies coming in. She admitted to feeling shaky before teeing off (I mean, who wouldn’t be??), but after the first drive, she was fine.
Thompson’s closest competitor was Tiffany Joh, who closed the margin to just three strokes at one point — that was the only time Lexi’s emotions felt a little shaky.
“I was just really calm actually, until Tiffany started on started on her birdie train there,” said Thompson. “Then it got a little exciting. So, you know, she got momentum going her way. It was great playing with her. It was so much fun. She is a great player.”
Lexi’s dad, Scott Thompson, caddied for her and they couldn’t hide their smiles as they walked up the 18th green. What an incredible father-daughter moment.
“Just being there with my dad, he was like, ‘Lexi, just enjoy that walk. I am going off to the side because I might cry,’” she said. “I definitely cried after I finished. Just finishing that with my dad on the bag, it was the best experience. I wouldn’t be out here without my dad — and my mom, of course.”
With the win, Lexi earns a spot in the season-ending CME Titleholders, but she still has to go through two more stages of Q-school to secure LPGA membership, which is ridiculous. If you win a tournament, you should automatically receive your card — and non-members with victories have the option to accept membership, but Lexi is only 16.
Commissioner Mike Whan already gave her permission to play Q-school, so now she’d have to petition for an exemption to the 18-year-old age requirement. In July at the first stage of Q-school, she dominated and won by 10 shots.
LPGA commissioner Mike Whan didn’t seem inclined to give her the equivalent of a qualifying school GED.
“Should Lexi qualify for LPGA membership via her Q-School performance, she will be an LPGA member for the 2012 season,” Whan said in a statement after the Navistar LPGA.
Veteran Juli Inkster thinks Thompson is ready for membership socially and as a player.
“It’s kind of silly, isn’t it?” Inkster said. “I think it makes us look bad, too. Now, you have to go to qualifying school? To me, that’s silly.”
Lexi should petition the LPGA to grant her membership with her big victory. She’s a teen phenom and an American. With the difficulties the LPGA has faced in the last several years, Lexi would be a helpful draw for fans and sponsors. Let’s hope it works out and she doesn’t have to endure two more stages of Q-school.
(AP Photo/Montgomery Advertiser, Lloyd Gallman)
Recent Tweets
So do you think this will take away from Michelle’s spotlight?
Let her play Q-school, knowing that she has the ability to win will make it even easier… Good for her and inspiring for the others in Q-school to measure up!
She does not look like a 16-year-old in that picture! It looks like she’s 30.
@Bryan – What spotlight?
Let her play, clearly she’ll be the next big thing . . . in porn 10 years from now. This kid’s parents just don’t even consider the value of an education or a healthy, normal uprbringing. She’s sponsored by red bull, a drink that causes heart failure and isnt reccommended for children, which Lexi still is. This douchebag of a dad will likely end up like Sean O’hairs dad, and he deserves it
Oof!
This young lady will set the future of the LPGA. It could not have happened at a better time for the LPGA. In a show of support I seen Ms. Lincicome and Ms. Creamer greet her after the win on the 18th greenside area. I just hope this young lady can adjust as she ages and be able to compete between the ears for many years to come. Golf is 90 percent mental and this lady has proven she has the talent to play tournament golf physically however I hope in the next couple of years she works with professionals for that 90 percent mental side of the game. Great win for a great golf family and a BIG boost for the LPGA. Congrats to you Lexi.
Never mind that the LPGA could really, really use the boost from the buzz of this phenomenal young star. It’s just the right thing to do. The “18 year old” rule, while well-intentioned, is an arbitrary thing in the first place. Clearly, this young person is the exception to that rule. C’mon, Whan, don’t be an idiot.
Seems to me Michelle’s “spotlight” is shining just fine. I mean two of the first 5 commenters mentioned her in a story she has nothing to do with. Obsessive much, Bryan & Knee Deep?
@Tbone- She’s not good looking enough to be in porn, and she looks a lot older than she is. I like my blondes looking like they’re 19, not 35. Besides, not finishing high school doesn’t mean she will be a lost cause, are you kidding me? You’re a joke.
Show me the research where Red Bull CAUSES heart failure and the research that shows kids who don’t receive a high school diploma become porn stars.
Have a nice day.