Liguori: Lexi Thompson - Ready For Full LPGA Membership
By Ann Liguori
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Milestones in the world of sports keep fans in awe and inspire all age groups. It was only a matter of time before Mariano Rivera would become baseball's career saves leader with 602. He quietly and humbly has worked his magic throughout his 17- year career and each time he takes the mound, there's hardly a doubt that the 41-year-old will come through for the Yankees. Baseball fans, young and old, marvel at Rivera's accomplishments.
Then there is 16-year-old Lexi Thompson, who grabbed the headlines this past Sunday for being the youngest player to win an LPGA Tour event when she won the Navistar LPGA Classic, beating Tiffany Joh by five strokes to finish at 17-under 271. Paula Creamer was 18-years-old when she won in 2005. Marlene Hagge was 18 years and 14 days old when she won the single-round Sarasota Open in 1952.
When I watched Lexi Thompson play in 'The Sally' in Ormond Beach, Florida two years ago, a most prestigious amateur golf tournament which attracts top female players throughout the world, I knew the then, 14-year-old, was destined for greatness (as did most). At age 12, she was already the youngest golfer to qualify to play in the U.S. Women's Open. I marveled at her shot-making ability, the length of her tee shots, her poise, her maturity and her size! (She stands 5'10") While walking along with Lexi and her father, Scott, who caddies for her, I studied her game, course management and the interaction between her and her father. And I was impressed with the way she handled herself back then, with the experience and composure of a seasoned veteran.
A year later, in June of 2010, she turned professional, as a non-Tour member, at age 15.
The age requirement on the LPGA Tour is 18-years of age. It's a rule that I've supported in the past and helps cut down on burn-out cases and some of the negative issues that a young athlete can face in the fierce and competitive world of professional sports.
In Lexi's case, however, I feel that there should be no hesitation with a decision to grant Thompson full member status on the LPGA Tour, despite the fact that under a waiver that was granted earlier this year, she technically has two more qualifying tournaments to play. This past July, she won the first stage of the qualifying by ten strokes.
I think it would be pointless for her to have to play in the remaining two qualifying tournaments. I understand that Michael Whan, the LPGA Commissioner, does not want to open a can of worms by bending the rules or changing what was already granted. But I do think Thompson is a 'rare' prodigy who has already shown that she can handle the Tour at such a young age. In Thompson's case, she shows the maturity and the stability that is necessary to succeed on the LPGA Tour. And she has a solid support system, particularly with her father caddying for her and traveling with her on the road.
Lexi's talent and looks can help sell the LPGA Tour at home and abroad. Lexi is a wonderful addition to a plethora of American talent needed to raise the profile of the LPGA Tour in our country.
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