Interview: Lexi Thompson
Published:
The women’s game seems to be getting younger every year. Do you feel old at 19?
I’m not sure about old but I certainly don’t count as young any more. But it’s great to see so many really young girls coming through and playing well. That’s very inspiring.
Did you think you could win on tour when you turned professional at the age of 15?
I turned pro because I felt ready to move to the next level. My first couple of seasons as a pro were a little different because I was only allowed to play on sponsor’s exemptions, so was playing 10 to 12 events a year rather than every week. But I still went into every event thinking I could win. If you don’t think like that then you shouldn’t even be there.
What’s the key to getting so good, so young – is there a secret to it?
The biggest thing is starting at a young age and being really dedicated. That’s what it’s all about, just practising and practising. You have to have a love for the game and a desire to improve. But you also have to relax and have fun with your friends when you’re not working on your game or playing in an event. You need to take your mind off the game at some point or you’re going to go crazy.
You’ve now won six professional titles, including a major, by the age of 19. Did you expect this level of success?
It’s going as I planned. I’ve worked hard all my life in a bid to get onto the LPGA Tour, and obviously to win a major at the age of 19 is a dream, but I hope it’s just the start.
So do you expect to win more majors?
Yes. Getting my first major has given me a lot of confidence, but it hasn’t changed my attitude. I treat every event with the same attitude. I want to win them all, so winning every major is definitely a goal.
In 2011, aged 16, you became the youngest player to win on the LPGA Tour. Then, Lydia Ko won at 15 in 2012. Is there an age that is too young to win?
I don’t think age really matters. If you’re good enough, you’re good enough to win.
You played in your first major at the age of 12. Were you old enough to win then?
No, because I was excited and overwhelmed with everything. I was not long enough for that golf course so I just went home and worked my butt off.
Did that experience help you win a major so early in your career?
It taught me that you need to stay patient. Early in my career, I’d get frustrated if I wasn’t making birdies. But I learned that people usually don’t shoot crazy low in majors, so you have to stay mentally strong, stay confident and wait for the birdie holes.
Finally, what do you think the rise of the new generation and Michelle Wie’s return to form will do for women’s golf?
I think it’ll grow women’s golf a lot, but I don’t think any of us are really thinking about that. We’re all just focusing on enjoying ourselves and trying to beat the field by bringing our A+ game to the course each week.
