SAN FRANCISCO — Lexi Thompson played in her first U.S. Women’s Open in 2007. She was 12 years old.
Fast-forward to today and Thompson is playing in her 15th U.S. Women’s Open at the age of 26. A driver’s license with the age of 26 usually wouldn’t make you considered “old,” but with 52 major championships under her belt, there is no arguing Thompson’s veteran status.
As an elder statesman in women’s golf, Thompson is sought out for her advice of a variety of topics. After her third round at The Olympic Club, one reporter asked what her advice would be to amateurs in the field at the U.S. Women’s Open.
“Take everything as a learning experience,” Thompson said. “Whether they missed the cut or made it, learn from the players that you got paired up with and just really embrace the experience.”
On Sunday, Thompson will be paired up with the top amateur in the field as Megha Ganne joins her and Yuka Saso in the final grouping. Ganne has already endeared herself to the San Francisco crowds this week, and on Sunday she’ll get the opportunity to do the same to Thompson.
“I got to play with a lot of amateurs in my practice rounds here, and it’s amazing because I knew that experience,” she said. “It’s just great to see the games and just the confidence that they have and the talent that they have as well, and I’m always open if they have any questions for me to learn off everything.”
Depending on how Sunday goes, Thompson may have some advice to share on handling the nerves in the final grouping of a major.
