Lexi Thompson: 16-Year-Old Prodigy to Take LPGA by Storm in 2012

At 16 years old, Lexi Thompson has accomplished more than most seasoned LPGA veterans.

She was the youngest player to ever qualify for the Women's U.S. Open at the age of 12.

She finished runner-up at the Evian Masters in France at age 15.

She won her first LPGA event at the 2011 Navistar LPGA Classic in September of 2011.

She went on to win the Dubai Ladies Masters 2 months later.

Thompson comes from a family of exceptional golfers. Her older brother, Nicholas Thompson, is a member of the PGA tour and former No. 1-ranked amateur. Her other brother, Curtis, is a highly-ranked amateur who will attend LSU on a golf scholarship.

With wins in two of her last three events in 2011, Lexi comes into this year full of confidence and with that ever-important experience with winning.

Even though she proved herself by winning a tournament on the LPGA Tour, Lexi had to attend Q-School in order to earn her LPGA Tour card for the 2012 season.

This will be her first year playing a full schedule, so look for her to further develop as a player, both physically and mentally as the year progresses.

The U.S. is in need of another breakout star on the LPGA, with international players dominating the top three of the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings.

She makes her 2012 debut at the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open on February 12th.