Lexi Thompson’s bid to make PGA Tour cut stalls in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS — Lexi Thompson captivated the crowd with her star-power performance at the Shriners Children’s Open, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats as she came close to making history. With seven holes to play, Thompson was 4 under, with the opportunity to become the first woman in 78 years to make a 36-hole cut on the PGA Tour, an achievement that would have cemented her legacy in the sport.

Despite a few missteps towards the end, including a poor swing, a mediocre chip, and a missed putt, Thompson’s two-day display of skill and determination left her proud of her performance. As she walked off the course at TPC Summerlin, Thompson reflected on the impact she had made, particularly on the young fans who inspire her. “Playing with the guys — amazing feeling,” said Thompson. “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’s golf game was equally impressive. She made five birdies in a 10-hole stretch, showcasing her talent and adding to the excitement of the tournament. However, two bogeys towards the end and a missed birdie putt on her final hole meant she fell short of the cut, finishing at even-par 142.

While Thompson may not have achieved her ultimate goal, Lanto Griffin and Cameron Champ shared the lead at 12-under 130, delivering exceptional performances of their own. Henrik Norlander followed closely behind, with Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor and J.T. Poston in contention.

Despite missing the cut, Thompson remained proud of her performance. “Very proud. I played really well today,” she said. Thompson came close to breaking records, with her 69 falling just short of Michelle Wie’s record score by a woman on the PGA Tour. “I knew I had to play my ‘A’ game,” said Thompson. “Just coming into the week there was more of a message than just playing golf. To inspire the kids, that’s what I enjoy most.”

Thompson’s strong start and impressive comeback offered hope that she might remain in the tournament until the end, but fate had other plans. A poor swing on the par-3 fifth led to a bogey, and her hopes dwindled further when she failed to make a birdie on the par-5 ninth. As the cut line continued to lower, Thompson knew her chances were slipping away despite her best efforts to stay focused. In the end, Thompson finished in a tie for 85th in the 132-player field.

This tournament may not have been a triumph for Thompson, but it marked a highlight in an otherwise challenging year. With over four years since her last victory on the LPGA Tour, Thompson’s future remains uncertain. However, she remains determined to bounce back, taking a few weeks off before returning to the LPGA in Florida for the conclusion of the season.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.