TEENAGER ALEXIS THOMPSON has lined up a summer job: professional golf. Thompson will make her pro debut on the LPGA Tour when she tees it up in mid June at the ShopRite LPGA Classic in New Jersey. Before she arrives in New Jersey, she’ll play on the U.S. Curtis Cup team in the June matches against Great Britain and Ireland in Manchester, Massachusetts.
“She thinks she’s ready,” said her father, Scott Thompson, at SunSentinel.com. “She tells me all the time at dinner, ‘I’m ready, Dad, let me go.’”
Alexis will be a younger pro than Michelle Wie, who was one week shy of her 16th birthday when she entered the professional ranks.
The golf prodigy is used to firsts. In 2007 at age 12, Thompson was the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open. She also played in the championship in 2008 and 2009, and was ranked as the No. 1 female amateur last year.
−The Armchair Golfer
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At 15 she can get a learners permit. If her caddie rides with her from venue to venue, it's all good! She's the #1 amateur, she has my blessings. Strike the iron while the fires hot little sister!
You can always work at the bank where you keep your winnings if things don't work out down the road:)
Ok – even in these days of parents giving over their responsibilities to the gubmint so they can be their kids "best friend" – it's still ok for parents to invoke their wisdom and say no. BUT – it's too late now.
Correct me if I'm wrong – but she has declared herself to be a professional – June is just her first tournament for pay. She is a professional as soon as she declares it. Right ?
courtgolf has an interesting point. I checked the USGA rules related to maintaing one's status as an amateur. Merely announcing one's intent to become a professional on a certain date apparently does not result in the forfeiture of one's amateur status. If Ms. Thompson retains a professional agent or receives monetary support outside her family, she would be deemed to be a professional.
The rules of golf are pretty obtuse to this writer. However, in most cases one must take an action prior to feeling the rule's effect. Stating a ball is "lost" does not make the ball lost. However. putting another ball into play does make the first ball lost.
Personally, I think 15 is much too young to be touring with the professionals. If she has the talent, it will be there in a few years. She should give herself some time to enjoy her youth.
Sounds like a great summer job if you can get it. Seems to me that as much as it costs to travel and play in these events, you might as well get the money if you win.
Don't know, Court. Good points, all of you. All my daughter will be thinking about next year when she's 15 is her learner's (driving) permit (and boys).
Alexis played the Women's Open qualifier at our club, Plantation Bay CC, Ormond Beach. She is magnificent to watch. In the club house after her match she spoke with all the members, and was very gracious. I am amazed she is only 15. Speaking with her you immediately get the impression that her parents brought her up right. Go Alexis I wish you well as a pro!!! We are all cheering for you @ Plantation Bay!!