Groundbreaking Move: Lexi Thompson Shatters Barriers as She Takes on Male Competitors at PGA Tour Event

Lexi Thompson will create a historic moment next week as she participates in the Shriners Children's Open. She will become only the seventh woman in history to compete in a PGA Tour event. As an accomplished golfer with eleven victories on the LPGA Tour, Thompson has been granted an unrestricted sponsor exemption to join the 132-player field at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas starting from October 12. The participants will be vying for a prize purse of $8.4 million.

At the PGA Tour event, the 28-year-old joins an exclusive group of women including Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Shirley Spork, Annika Sörenstam, Suzey Whaley, Michelle Wie West, and Brittany Lincicome. Zaharias, a track and field athlete who won an Olympic gold medal and went on to win 10 major tournaments on the LPGA Tour, was the first woman to compete at a PGA Tour event in 1935. She remains the only woman to have made a cut at a PGA Tour event, finishing 33rd at the Phoenix Open and 42nd at the Tucson Open in 1945.

TPC Summerlin will again play host to the tournament.

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And Thompson, as the first since compatriot Lincicome competed at the 2018 Barbasol Championship in Kentucky, is drawing motivation from the six that came before her.

In Naples, Florida on December 10, 2022, Denny McCarthy and Nelly Korda of the United States displayed their reactions on the 18th green during the second round of the QBE Shootout at Tiburon Golf Club. Captured by Douglas P. DeFelice, this image showcases the intense emotions and competitive spirit of the players.

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Thompson expressed his inspiration to the PGA Tour, saying, "Witnessing their actions motivated me. It sends a powerful message: no matter if it's golf or any aspect of life, if you set a goal, remain determined, maintain a positive mindset, and strive for what you desire, anything can be accomplished."

Thompson's recent participation in the US Solheim Cup team ended in disappointment as Europe staged a thrilling comeback to secure a 14-14 draw and keep the trophy. Despite this setback, the talented golfer, currently ranked 25th in the world, showcased her skills at the LPGA Tours Arkansas Championship, finishing tied-8th. However, it has been over two years since her last victory on the circuit, which occurred at the ShopRite LPGA Classic in June 2019.

She has one major title to her name, having won the Kraft Nabisco Championship (now the Chevron Championship) in 2014.

Thompson and Team USA fell narrowly short of Solheim Cup triumph.

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"The Shriners Children's organization is dedicated to supporting children with disabilities, embracing gender equality. As we are well aware, disabilities do not discriminate," Thompson expressed in a recent Instagram post.

"With optimism, I anticipate that my participation in the upcoming men's tournament, The Shriners Children Open, will convey a powerful message to young women. It is a testament that one can pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles that come their way."

Tom Kim, a professional golfer from South Korea, proudly holds up the championship trophy at the prestigious Shriners Children's Open. The exhilarating event took place at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 09, 2022. This captivating photo, captured by Orlando Ramirez, showcases the triumphant moment of Tom Kim's extraordinary achievement in the world of golf.

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Thank you to the Shriners for giving me this amazing opportunity to spend the week with these incredible children in Las Vegas! I am eagerly looking forward to experiencing the city.

The previous tournament's victory was claimed by Kim "Tom" Joo-hyung, a South Korean golfer who made history by being the first to win twice on the PGA Tour before the age of 21. His remarkable three-shot triumph was achieved without a single bogey on his scorecard.