Lexi Thompson makes her first start of the season this week at the LPGA Drive On Championship at a new venue for the tournament, Bradenton Country Club, Florida.
After a slow start to her 2023 season, the 28-year-old 11-time LPGA winner and Major champion found consistent form in the season-ending events including the Shriners Children’s Open at the TPC Summerlin course in Las Vegas, making her only the fifth female player in the modern era – and seventh overall – to participate in a PGA Tour event.
At 6,557 yards, this week’s Bradenton course will play almost 700 yards shorter than TPC Summerlin at 7,255 yards. Based on the length of courses on the PGA Tour, Thompson has some hesitations on the topic of whether more female players should be invited to participate in PGA Tour events.
Speaking exclusively to Golf Monthly , Thompson, who is one of the longest hitters on the LPGA Tour, says: “It’s a great message, but the men’s courses are set up very long and I guess only certain players would be able to handle the length.