Amid trying season, Lexi Thompson eager for 1st-ever start on PGA Tour

In the midst of one of her roughest years, Lexi Thompson faces her biggest challenge.

Thompson was coming off her first top-10 finish of the year two weeks ago when she said her management company told her the Shriners Children's Open had offered her a sponsor exemption to play on the PGA Tour.

"It was basically an automatic 'yes,"' Thompson said Tuesday at the TPC Summerlin after playing a practice round with Michael Kim and Ben Griffin. "I'm just very honoured that they want me here to compete this week, and hopefully send out an inspiring message."

The most notable 20 years ago was Annika Sorenstam at Colonial as a sponsor exemption and Suzy Whaley at the Greater Hartford Open as the PGA section champion. It had been more than 50 years since a woman played on the PGA Tour.

And then there was Michelle Wie West, who played eight times on the PGA Tour. She shot a 68 at the 2004 Sony Open at age 14, missing the cut by one shot.

Thompson said success on the 7,255-yard course would be measured by more than her score.

"Good golf is a successful week," she said. "If I can leave here inspiring others, and especially the kids — the Shriners kids — that's what it's all about and what this tournament is. There is more than just playing golf.

"If I can inspire one individual, I would feel like I'm making progress," he said. "Of course, yes, I want to play good. There is more to life than performing well."

Her big challenge comes during a year in which she has fallen to No. 25 in the women's world ranking and was in jeopardy of losing her LPGA Tour card until registering top 10s the last two weeks in Arkansas and Texas.

Thompson has gone 73 starts on the LPGA Tour since her last win at the ShopRite LPGA Classic in 2019. She did win