By Jeff Babineau
Boca Raton, Fla. – Lexi Thompson accomplished a lot in 2021. She made 19 starts without missing a cut, had seven top-10 finishes, and represented the U.S. in the Solheim Cup and at the Olympics. She just didn’t win, which is pretty rare for her. At 26, her next victory will be her 12th on tour.
Thompson, whose last victory was the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer in June of 2019, had a chance to open her 2022 campaign close to her Delray Beach home at this week’s Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio. She said it’s great to have so many friends and family from South Florida get to see her play.
Thompson’s focus during her offseason was her putting. One look at her 2021 numbers, and her ballstriking was terrific – first in Greens in Regulation (78.81 percent), fourth in Driving Distance (278.35). In putting, she ranked 132nd in average putts (30.83).
“I would say I worked extremely hard on my short game,” she said of her offseason. “Putting. I mean, I putted three hours a day, at least. I have a putting green in my house, too. Did that every night.
“Just worked extremely hard. Put in the hours in the gym as well. I didn’t have too much off time in between playing in (QBE) Shootout (in Naples, in December) and now. I have a little bit more time off after next week. So, I continue to work hard. I don’t have really a time that I don’t. I just love the goals, love determination, and always striving to improve.”
Thompson has been known to get off to hot starts, finishing in the top 10 in each of her five previous season openers. Her scoring average in that span (not including this week): 68.5. She shot 1-over 73 on Saturday, and will start Sunday in a tie for 10th, looking to extend her streak.
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