Lexi Thompson to play on the PGA Tour

The Shriners Children’s Open has announced that the LPGA player and Solheim Cup star Lexi Thompson has earned a full exemption into next week's Las Vegas tournament.

“Shriners Children’s support of children with specialty pediatric medical challenges for over 100 years is inspiring, and as we all know, these conditions do not discriminate,” said Thompson.

“I’m hopeful that my ability to play with the men next week at the Shriners Children’s Open sends a great message to the young women that you can chase your dream regardless of how hard it is. I cannot wait to come to the city of Las Vegas, and I’m grateful to Shriners Children’s for this opportunity to spend the week alongside these inspirational kids.”

The 28-year-old Major champion has 11 LPGA Tour victories and began her professional career at the age of 15. She will be the third female player ever to play in a predominately men’s tournament.

She will be the seventh woman ever to compete in a PGA TOUR event.  LPGA Tour player Babe Didrikson Zaharias became the first woman to receive a sponsor exemption at The Cascades Open in 1935. Thompson will be the first female to compete since Brittany Lincicome at the 2018 Barbasol Championship.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lexi to the 2023 tournament,” said Patrick Lindsey, executive director of the Shriners Children’s Open.

“Shriners Children’s mission is to help all children live their best life, regardless of what medical challenges lay in front of them. We are eager to have Lexi on the course and continue to break through barriers, just as our more than 1.5 million patients do every day.”

Lexi will participate in the tournament’s first round beginning on Thursday, October 12 at TPC Summerlin, and will compete for the $8.9 million purse in a 132-player field.

To find out more about the Shriners Children’s Open, please visit shrinerschildrensopen.com