LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan Grants Alexis Thompson Age Exemption

LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan received his Christmas and birthday presents all rolled up into one tidy little package named Alexis Thompson. 

Thompson is exactly what the LPGA needs.  She is a serious, talented, fresh, young golfer with a game to back up her great style.

Neither Christie Kerr, Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie nor Morgan Pressel have been able to fill the void left by the early retirements of Annika Sorenstam and Lorena Ochoa, who both left the tour to raise families. 

Yani Tseng has dominated the LPGA for the last two seasons, but to recoup big corporate dollars, the tour needs a dominant American player.

In 2007, at age 12, Thompson became the youngest woman to ever qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open. 

She turned professional at age 15, and became the youngest winner ever on the LPGA Tour, by capturing first place at the Navistar LPGA Classic two weeks ago.

The LPGA does not allow membership under the age of 18, but Thompson successfully petitioned the LPGA to allow her to enter Q School in July.  She shot four rounds in the 60s and blew away the entire field by 10 shots at the first stage of LPGA Q School.

It looks like there won’t be any Friday night football games or high school proms for the 17-year-old.  Thompson will receive full membership and playing privileges on the LPGA Tour in 2012.   

Thompson has the game, charm and style to help launch the LPGA back to prominence. 

All she has to do is, “Just win, baby."