Safe to say the golf world was paying attention to happenings at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas. Lexi Thompson is a big, big reason why.
The 28-year-old became the seventh female golfer to play in a PGA Tour event when she teed it up at the 2023 Shriners Children’s Open. Only one has ever made the cut, and Thompson was in a good position to make the cut on her back nine holes Friday until a pair of late bogeys on par 3s. She shot 2-under 69 on Friday and carded an even-par 142 for the week, which will fall just outside of the cut line.
However, her effort in the desert was nothing short of spectacular, and people were tuned in from all over.
Here are some of the best reactions to Thompson’s performance at the Shriners Children’s Open.
Inspirational
An inspirational Friday we'll never forget 🤩
What a performance from @Lexi in her @PGATOUR debut! 👏 pic.twitter.com/rovFbWodSJ
— LPGA (@LPGA) October 13, 2023
History
Rounds in 60s by women all-time on the PGA Tour:
2004 Michelle Wie West, Sony Open, 68 (-2)
2006 Michelle Wie West, Sony Open, 68 (-2)
2023 Lexi Thompson, Shriners, 69 (-2)Thompson hit 12/14 fairways, 14/18 greens and gained more than a full stroke on the field putting.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) October 13, 2023
Gaining shots
Lexi Thompson gained nearly a full shot on a PGA Tour field in SG: Off-the-Tee during the second round.
She’s currently +0.93 on the day
— Fried Egg Golf (@the_fried_egg) October 13, 2023
Biggest crowd
Not sure it’s showing on TV but Lexi has the biggest crowd this week… at a pgatour tournament lol. What a win for Shriners. You’ll prob see more pgatour tournaments invites to Lexi and other female golfers
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) October 13, 2023
Hell of an effort
Hell of an effort from Lexi, and a sponsor’s exemption well used from Shriners. Definitely added a layer of buzz on an otherwise sleepy Thursday/Friday in the fall.
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) October 13, 2023
Driving stats
Lexi's driving stats this week:
Avg. distance – 301.2 yards (currently ranks 116th)
Driving accuracy – 71.43 percent (ranks T-15)
Longest drive – 316 yards (ranks 128th)— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) October 13, 2023
Golf clap
Golf 👏 for Lexi. Two late bogeys at 5 and 8 and couldn’t get the birdie to drop at 9 means unlikely to make the cut. But shoots 69 in the second round and gave it a helluva run in Vegas.
— Adam Schupak (@AdamSchupak) October 13, 2023
So close
Lexi misses birdie on the last hole. Shoot -2 (69) for the second round and finishes at Even par. Will miss the cut. pic.twitter.com/l5Pc2D8ZKf
— Michael Collins (@ESPNCaddie) October 13, 2023
Proving she belongs
Proving she belongs 💪@Lexi fires an impressive 73-69 in her PGA TOUR debut to finish one shot outside the current projected cutline @ShrinersOpen. pic.twitter.com/ax39N4lmyz
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 13, 2023
What a ride
Tough finish there but you have to think the week was a win for Lexi.
Shot 69 today. Hit 14 greens and 12 fairways. Averaged over 300 yards off the tee. Beat a lot of guys in the field.
Fun ride for fans and hopefully inspiring for kids.
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) October 13, 2023
17!
What a performance by Lexi Thompson. That was so so cool to watch—I will officially be hitting the gym 7/7 days next week.
Here’s the Lexi stat that gets me every time: She’s 28 years old and has played in 17 U.S. Women’s Opens. 17.
— Gabby Herzig (@GabbyHerzig) October 13, 2023
Mixed event Presidents Cup?
I'm once again asking you to make the Presidents Cup a mixed team event put on by the PGA Tour and the LPGA.
All the props in the world to Lexi and everyone involved! https://t.co/2EPhc1CZTr
— D.J. Piehowski (@DJPie) October 13, 2023
Power
Ladies and gentlemen, Lexi Freaking Thompson. https://t.co/HvkkNh0IxL
— Christina Lance (@christinalance) October 13, 2023
