LAS VEGAS – When the organizers of the Shriners Children’s Open considered a sponsor’s exemption that could bring Lexi Thompson at the PGA Tour event held at TPC Sommerlin a number factors weighed in on the decision.
Thompson first had to agree. She had been struggling earlier in the year, but after a good showing at the Solheim Cup she felt confident enough to participate. She’s always had the range to compete with men but other aspects of her game have improved, so the move was a good one.
The PGA Tour had to approve the idea. While sponsors are free to include whomever they want, any changes that could upset the applecart must be approved by Commissioner Jay Monahan. The approval was given midway last week.
They did this because they knew that Las Vegas ticket sales aren’t what they used to be. TPC Summerlin hosts a PGA Tour tournament well, but the sports scene was sparse when Jim Furyk won back-to-back championships in the late 90s. Vegas had no professional teams because of gambling restrictions imposed by many professional sports organizations. Sports fans in the area flocked to Vegas when the Tour visited.
LAS VEGAS NEVADA – OCTOBER 13, 2023: Lexi Thompson, of the United States, and her caddie Jon Scholari react at the 11th Hole during the second round in the Shriners Children’s Open held at TPC Sommerlin, on October 13th, 2023, in Las Vegas Nevada. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images).
This week’s schedule in Sin City was packed with sporting events.
Thompson’s arrival certainly impacted the national media coverage. ESPN and Golf Channel provided updates and graphics on Thompson’s arrival, and newspapers like USA Today featured Thompson prominently in their covers.
“I think that having Lexi on the field, and on the live broadcast will only bring more attention to the broadcast. This in turn, will bring more attention to the golfers here, and to their sponsors on their shirts, hats, and bags,” Shriners Tournament Director Patrick Lindsay , told Golf Magazine. Everyone should look at this as a positive because we are bringing more attention to the players, Shriners and the city.
Thompson’s entire team has benefited from the publicity, including her agent Brett Falkoff who walked with her on the course during a practice session Tuesday, as well as her sponsors.
Lexi is a leader on and off course. Her participation in a PGA Tour event is a great example of that leadership, said Lawrence Calcano. iCapital is one of Lexi’s corporate sponsors. She has a history of breaking records – she was the youngest golfer ever to compete in the U.S. Women’s Open, and also the youngest to win a LPGA Tour tournament. The iCapital Team is proud to support her.”
This week, Lindsay and other people faced some tough challenges:
