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After smashing the LPGA record for youngest champion by more than two
years, Lexi Thompson is looking to create more history in the women’s
tour.
That’s if they’ll allow her to join yet.
Two days after the 16-year-old’s ground-breaking victory at the Navistar
LPGA Classic last weekend, she said she plans to petition for an
exemption to the tour’s 18-year-old age requirement.
"I'm not going to be playing on the men's tour," Thompson said Tuesday
when asked if she'd consider playing any PGA Tour events, as Michelle
Wie did before she joined the LPGA Tour full-time.
"I really just want to focus on women's golf. They're so good out here. You have to shoot 20 under every week to win."
Thompson already has a 20-under on the tour, her 17-under last weekend
gave her a maiden title, to go along with the three top-10 finishes
she’s accumulated since turning professional 15 months ago.
"I think they should give her full (membership)," seven-time major champion Juli Inkster said after Thompson's victory.
"It's kind of silly, isn't it? I think it makes us (the LPGA) look bad,
too. Now, you have to go to qualifying school? To me, that's silly."
Photogenic and personable, and with deals with Cobra-Puma and Red Bull,
Thompson could be the opportunity the LPGA needs to expand its appeal
into the all-important youth-market.
"I want women's golf to be more well-known and to be out there. It is
amazing to watch how the girls play and how low they shoot," Thompson
said.
"There are a lot of great young players coming up and on tour. Fans just need to see it."
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