LAS VEGAS — With all eyes on Lexi Thompson during her PGA Tour debut at the Shriners Children’s Open, her golf bag was one of the talking points for those following the group during her opening round of action.
Thompson’s Cobra bag was adorned with colorful messages signed by names like Kerrigan, Patrick and Keon. She noted after playing 16-plus holes on Thursday that she had given the bag to some of the patients from Shriners Chidren’s Hospital to decorate.
The letters “I AM HERE” are prominent on the top of her bag with the word “HER” highlighted in pink and the others in powder blue.
Thompson said it was just another reason she was thrilled to be included in the Las Vegas event.
A general view of the clubs of Lexi Thompson during the first round of the Shriners Children’s Open golf tournament at TPC Summerlin. Mandatory Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
“I’m very excited. I actually got this new white Cobra bag in for this week. Totally blank, but I have the Shriners kids designing it and writing a few things on it, which makes it more special because that’s what this week is all about,” she said. “It’s amazing what Shriners does for these kids and gives then the opportunity to be able to follow their dreams and the healthiest lifestyle they can. I’m basically carrying them all around with me this week and having their support means the world.”
Fan support was high for Thompson during her opening round and she responded with a solid effort that left her at 1 over after 16 holes of play. She’s vying to become the first female to make the cut at a PGA Tour event since 1945. Michelle Wie came close in 2004 at the Sony Open, but missed by a single stroke while still a freshman in high school.
Photos: Lexi Thompson’s first round at the Shriners Children’s Open
Whether she makes the cut or not, Thompson insisted this was the perfect place for her to make her Tour debut.
“It’s been great so far this whole week. Everybody has been so welcoming and just a huge honor just to be able to tee it up here,” she said. “There’s more to it than just golf. Shriners does amazing things for these kids, so I’m happy to be out here and supporting them in any way I can.”