By: Max Bechtoldt
Seemingly, last week at the Meijer LPGA Classic wasn’t a fluke, as Lexi Thompson has continued her momentum to take the lead after one round at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club.
Thompson lost in a playoff last week at Meijer, which broke a streak of four missed cuts in a row. Today, she played some of the best golf we have seen out of her in the last five years.
Thompson’s game today was a bit reminiscent of a player whom she has been heavily associated with throughout her career, Bryson Dechambeau last week at the U.S. Open. The two have partnered together in events and been on Puma and Bridgestone commercials together. Thompson wasn’t exactly hitting fairways today, hitting only six for the day, but her power helped her hit 14 greens regardless.
The real story for Thompson though was the putter. If Thompson putts well, that usually means she is in contention. Well, she had only 28 putts, and she felt more confident with the club than usual.
A major reason for this strong play is likely new caddie Mark Wallington, who is now on his second week caddying for Thompson. Lexi directly pointed out his positivity and ability to keep it fun on the course as a reason for her recent success.
Thompson still has a long way to go this weekend, having to contend with a strong leaderboard. Sitting just one stroke back are a pair of major champions No. 1 Nelly Korda and Patty Tavatanakit. Two strokes back are a group that includes No. 4 Celine Boutier, Hinako Shibuno, Leona Maguire and Charley Hull amongst others. This is the definition of a stacked leaderboard.
For fans? You can’t ask for much more than Sahalee gave us on Thursday. Tough but fair, with a host of superstars in contention. It should be a magical week in the Seattle area.
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