LPGA Tour star Lexi Thompson had the cut at the Shriners Children’s Open in hand with just a few homes to play on Friday, October 13th in Vegas. But a costly bogey on her 17th hole and missed short birdie putt on 18 sealed her fate of heading home for the weekend. But, she will take the memories with her for a lifetime. –By Brian Hurlburt
“A few things,” Thompson said when asked by the Insider what the first thing she thinks about when pondering the two days. “Meeting some of the Shriners kids, ambassadors, was probably the highlight and just being with them, giving a clinic, giving golf lessons, and just hopefully inspiring them to go after what they want. That was probably the most special. And of course playing with the guys was an amazing feeling. Growing up with guys, I’ve always wanted to be out in a PGA TOUR event and tee it up. But the biggest thing I think about was seeing the kids out there outside the ropes and then meeting a few of the Shriners ambassadors. That was the most special.”
Thompson beat plenty of the guys. She finished even par and beat about 1/3 of the field.
“I am very proud. I played really well today, came out super early, and bogeyed 17, but made a great save on 18 there and just overall played very steady,” Thompson said. “As the day went on, I tried to stay committed to my targets out there and to my swing thoughts and just enjoyed the whole experience. I knew once I had made a few birdies in a row that I would be somewhat close, but I knew the cut line would keep on going lower and lower with these guys, especially with not that much wind out there. I just really tried to stay focused on my game and focused on my swing thoughts, picking small targets and staying 100 percent committed, and whatever happens happens. I hit some great shots coming in, even on my 17th hole, No. 8, and just ran through. But it’s a 2-iron, so I can’t really expect too much.”
Immediately after finishing and missing the cut, Thompson headed straight for the range and interacted with a PGA of America and Shriners Children’s Adaptive Golf Clinic that was going on.
Nobody seemed to care whether she made the cut or not.