At the recent PGA Tour stop at the TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nevada, a groundbreaking sponsors exemption was extended to Lexi Thompson. Lexi accepted the invitation stating gratitude for the invitation and stating she hoped she could inspire others to chase their dreams no matter how hard those dreams might be to achieve.
Lexi made a great showing at the 2023 event shooting a two-over par 73 on day one. She then followed it up with a two-under par 69 on day two just missing the cut by a mere couple shots. This was actually the first invitation by a PGA Tour event to Lexi Thompson. Additionally, Lexi was the first female to play in a PGA Tour event in about five years. The last was Brittany Linciome who missed the cut at the 2018 Barbasol Championship (78-71).
What history was Lexi Thompson chasing? Technically, it wasn’t to be the first female to make a cut on a PGA Tour event but to be the first female to make a cut on a PGA Tour event since World War II. Lexi is the 7th women to participate in a PGA Tour event with the men. Here is the recent history on attempts.
- Lexi Thompson – 2023 – (MC)
- Brittany Linicome – 2018 – (MC)
- Michelle Wie West – 2004 to 2008 played in 8 events (MC-7) (WD-1)
- Suzy Whaley – 2003 (MC)
- Annika Sorenstam – 2003 – (MC)
- Shirley Spork – 1952 – (77-80-77-80) (105th)
- Babe Didrikson Zaharias – 1935 to 1946 played in 7 events (best finish 77-72-75-80 in 1945 finish 33rd)
Golf fans around the world tuned in to see Lexi and her attempt at making recent history by making the cut in the 2023 Shriners Championship on the PGA Tour. Featured group viewership was up almost 20% over the previous year according to ESPN.