In recent interviews, Lexi Thompson didn’t reveal much about the changes she has made to her golf swing. At least one aspect of the equation was revealed, namely a new golf swing coach.
Tony Ruggiero shared a video last week of Thompson hitting balls on the Old Palm Golf Club range in Palm Beach Gardens. She was wearing a resistance band around her legs.
Ruggiero wrote: “Always improving and working!” Lexi has done some great work! There were also a few jokes! “Btw, that driver was crushed!”
The following day, Ruggiero uploaded videos of Thompson’s brother Curtis batting balls.
Lucas Glover, Robby Shelton and others are former students of Ruggiero. Golfweek learned that Thompson and Ruggiero began working together in the summer.
Thompson, still at 28, is on the outside of the CME Group Tour Championship season finale. However, her progress over the last two months has shown promise.
Thompson’s average score in her first nine tournaments this year was 73.41. In her three last starts on the LPGA she averaged 68.9. This is a drop of 4.51.
Thompson’s score compared to par in her first nine starts is a staggering 35 over. In her last three races, Thompson has been 27 points under par.
Thompson, an 11-time LPGA winner, played a crucial role in Stacy Lewis’ Solheim Cup squad last month. She hit the opening teeshot and anchored Sunday singles. She had a 3-1-0 score in Spain, when many doubted her inclusion on the team.
Thompson was the seventh woman on the PGA Tour. missed the cut in the Shriners Children’s Open, Las Vegas, after carding rounds of 73 and 69. She became the second woman in PGA Tour history to break 70 with a score of 69. Michelle Wie West shot 68 twice in the Sony Open.
Thompson will compete on the LPGA at The Annika Driven By Gainbridge at Pelican next week, where she finished second the last two years. Thompson is currently 88th in the CME point list. To advance to Naples, Florida, she must be in the top 60 with ties.
