Two years ago, we nearly saw a LPGA-PGA Tour dispute breakout from a major controversy in the world of golf when Lexi Thompson was on the list for a PGA tour game at the Shriners Children's Open.

Initially, Peter Malnati thought it was just a move to generate interest in the event, but he later retracted the statement and apologized for it.

"I shouldn't have said that. I don't know that having Lexi play is a gimmick, but I don't think the tournaments are going to have to go to those kind of lengths to drum up interest and get storylines that they can sell."

However, that didn't stop reporters from asking Thomspon about the comments.

"No reaction. I knew some comments were going to happen with anything. I’m out here playing, I want to leave a message, that I’m following my dreams and to go after what you want with a positive mindset and don’t let anybody’s comments or reactions get in the way of that. But it’s all good. I expected it."

Thompson's calm response de-escalated the controversy. Instead, she responded with an opening-round 73. With a 2-under 69, she became only the second woman to have a sub-70 score.

It was a special week. Obviously, the two rounds were very special, but to be out here, play with the men and just to see the kids alongside cheering my name and hopefully inspiring those kids to follow their dreams."

Other PGA Tour members even backed her

Ahead of Thompson’s start, most praised her ability while acknowledging the challenge. Ben Griffin, who played a practice round with Thompson, had somethign to say.

“I thought she was striping it she has a ton of talent, and she can handle it out there,” adding that she was “probably 20 yards on average” behind off the tee but “can definitely handle this golf course.”

Taylor Montgomery kept it simple: “I think it’s cool.” Peter Malnati, initially critical of the exemption, also recognized Thompson’s athleticism, saying, “Distance won’t be a problem. She’ll hit it far enough.”

Tom Kim expressed both respect and curiosity: “She hits the ball very far. If I play with her, I would be worried.”

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar