The Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas will be a particularly special occasion this year thanks to an appearance from LPGA Tour player Lexi Thompson following a sponsor invitation.
Thompson will compete alongside the men in the PGA Tour event, making her only the fifth female player in the modern era - and seventh in total - to do so.
Thompson, who won a Major in 2014, the Kraft Nabisco Championship (now the Chevron Championship), remains one of the biggest names in the women’s game. She said in a statement: "I'm hopeful that my ability to play with the men next week at the Shriners Children's Open sends a great message to the young women that you can chase your dream regardless of how hard it is. I'm grateful to Shriners Children's for this opportunity to spend the week alongside these inspirational kids.”
Executive director of the Shriners Children's Open Patrick Lindsey said: "We are thrilled to welcome Lexi to the 2023 tournament. We are eager to have Lexi on the course and continue to break through barriers."
When she tees it up at TPC Summerlin, Thompson will become first female golfer to compete on the PGA Tour since Brittany Lincicome played in the Barbasol Championship five years ago.
The first woman to play on the Tour was Babe Didrikson Zaharias, who competed in the Cascades Open in 1935. Then, in 1952, one of the LPGA Tour's founders, Shirley Spork, played in the Northern California-Reno Open.
After a gap of almost half a century, Annika Sorenstam then participated in the 2003 Bank of America Colonial, with Suzy Whaley's appearance in the Greater Hartford Open coming later that year. It was then another five years before Michelle Wie-West played in the 2008 Legends Reno-Tahoe Open.
Thompson has forged a hugely impressive career. As well as her Major win nine years ago, she became the youngest ever qualifier for the US Women’s Open aged 12 in 2007. After turning pro in 2010, she has since gone on to claim 11 victories on the LPGA Tour and competed for Team USA in the recent Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin. This week, she plays in the Volunteers of America Classic on the LPGA Tour.
The Shriners Children's Open will be the third of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Fall schedule, and was won last year by Tom Kim.
-
Hero Dubai Desert Classic Odds, Picks And PredictionsFour of the Golf Monthly team have picked out a favorite and outside contender from the field at the first Rolex Series event of 2025 on the DP World Tour
-
The American Express Prize Money Payout 2025The PGA Tour heads to California and The American Express where, 12 months ago, amateur Nick Dunlap made history with a one stroke victory
-
'I Said YES' - Lexi Thompson Announces EngagementJust over a month after ending her full-time career, Lexi Thompson has announced she got engaged on a New Year's trip to Whistler
-
'It Was The Stand-Out Tournament From Start To Finish' - Which Golf Event Was The Best This Year?There have been hundreds of tournaments played throughout 2024 and, in this piece, the Golf Monthly team nominate their most entertaining events from the season
-
'It Was The Out-And-Out Shock Of The Year' - Which Moment In Golf Stood Out Above All Else?2024 has been a year of huge shocks on and off the golf course and, in this piece, the Golf Monthly team have discussed which particular moment stood out to them
-
'The Hardest Category To Judge' - Who Recorded Golf's Round Of The Year?We've been treated to some excellent rounds in 2024 and, below, the Golf Monthly team have given their thoughts on which one they think was the best
-
The 12 Most Underrated Golf Seasons Of 2024Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda dominated men's and women's golf in 2024, but there were plenty of players who saw fine seasons go under the radar - we look at the pick of the bunch
-
10 Predictions Ahead Of The 2025 Golf SeasonWhat does the 2025 golfing calendar hold? As the new season gears up to its start, five Golf Monthly members lay out their predictions for the next 12 months
-
Who Showed 'A Will To Keep Fighting Through The Dark Times' In Golf's Comeback Of The Year?Golf has the capability to throw up some incredible comeback stories and, in 2024, we have seen a number of them throughout
-
'There Could Have Been Another 10 Nominees' - But Who Stood Out As Golf's Amateur Of The Year?There have been plenty of incredible amateur performances in 2024 and, in this piece, the Golf Monthly team debate who deserves the Amateur of the Year accolade
