Lexi Thompson has just barely missed the cut, and the chance to make history, on her PGA tour debut — but she has more than shown naysayers she can compete with the men.
Thompson shot a 2-under par 69 in her second round at the Shriners Children's Open in Las Vegas Friday, meaning that with a 2-over par 73 in her first round she finished even-par, just barely missing becoming only the second woman in history to make a PGA cut after Babe Didrikson Zaharias in 1945.
Still, the 11-time LPGA winner has more than shown she can keep up with her male competitors. The 28-year-old is only the seventh woman to compete in the PGA tour, and the first in five years.
Her 69 is one over Michelle Wie's record for a woman on the PGA tour: Wie shot 68 twice at the Sony Open in 2004 and 2006, the first when she was just fourteen years old.
"Playing with the guys — amazing feeling," said Thompson.
"Growing up with guys, I've always wanted to be out on a PGA tour event and tee it up. But the biggest thing was seeing the kids out there outside the ropes and then meeting a few of the Shriners ambassadors. That was the most special."
Thompson looked to be on the verge of history as she made five birdies over ten holes and was four under with seven to play, but made two bogeys in the final stretch.
"Very proud, I played really well today," said Thompson, who has struggled this season but recently went 3-1 at the Solheim Cup as the US tied Europe.
"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."
