Lexi Thompson Ready for the Bright Lights of Vegas and Big Stage of PGA Tour

Lexi Thompson of the United States along with Kevin Roy of the United States and Trevor Werbylo of the United States walk on the fourth hole during the first round of the Shriners Children's Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas on Oct. 12, 2023. Michael Owens/Getty Images

In the midst of one of her roughest years, Lexi Thompson faced her biggest challenge. Beau Hossler shot a 9–under 62 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round — while Thompson tied for 76th, after 16 holes when play was suspended, out of a 130-man field at the the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas on Oct. 12.

Thompson was coming off her first top-10 finish of the year two weeks ago when she said her management company told her the event had offered her a sponsor exemption to play on the PGA Tour.