LEXI THOMPSON IN TOWN TO DEFEND SHOPRITE LPGA CLASSIC CROWN
From her professional debut in 2010 to finding the winner’s circle in 2019, Lexi Thompson has come full circle at the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer. This week, she’ll be defending her title at Seaview, A Dolce Hotel in Galloway, N.J., after an electrifying putt last year on No. 18 and epic fist pump.

“So many great memories, especially winning here last year,” said Thompson, who made a 20-foot eagle putt on the 54th hole for the 2019 ShopRite LPGA Classic title. “I watched that putt again last night and just the crowds cheering for me over and over in my head, it gives me chills every time.

“It is definitely one of the best memories in my career. When I hit my second shot in and it bounced like 50 yards up on the green for that putt, I was hoping to make it, we all want that, but it was a tough little putt. Threw in a little fist pump after. I usually never do it, but in the moment it was needed.”

While the event has made a slight change in competition from 54 to 72 holes, Thompson recognizes one thing that has remained the same: the loyalty exhibited by title sponsor ShopRite to the LPGA, its players and local communities served. Since 1992, when ShopRite took over as title sponsor, they have donated over $35 million to charity including food banks, healthcare and education programs.

“It’s super inspirational,” Thompson said. “We're very grateful to have the sponsors we have. To hear how much they give back to charities like that and to help people out in general, especially in times like this, it is very inspirational. I think we all aspire to be like that. We are not only athletes, but we want to give back to the game or to anybody in need. It makes a big difference to us knowing our sponsors care that much. I think we're all happy to be a part of this journey with them.”

NORDQVIST HOPING TO ADD TO HER SHOPRITE RESUME
Two-time ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer champion Anna Nordqvist should feel right at home this week. Between her stay at the Borgata as an ambassador for MGM Resorts to her outstanding track record on the Bay Course at Seaview, Nordqvist has her sights set on a third victory in Atlantic County in a very familiar and comfortable setting.

“Winning definitely helps to create good memories,” said Nordqvist. “Playing so well in 2015 and then defending my title in 2016 was awesome. My mom was here the first year I won, so that was pretty cool to share the moment with my mom. It was even Mother’s Day in Sweden when I won that year.”

Nordqvist tied the 54-hole tournament scoring record of 17-under par 196 in 2016. Her fellow Swede and LPGA Tour legend Annika Sorenstam set the mark in 1998 and reached it again in 2005, two of her three victories in South Jersey.

“We grew up in tough [weather] conditions,” Nordqvist said. “It can blow quite hard here, so I think that was helpful. I know her game was hitting a lot of fairways and greens. In that, I think we're similar. Ball striking has always been very consistent. That’s important out here because the greens are pretty small, and especially with some of the wind. Depending on if you can stay out of the rough and put yourself on the green, I think you're in a good spot.

“Especially those holes out by the water—the 2nd hole, 6th green, Nos. 14 and 15, and then I would say the 8th green—the wind usually comes pretty hard off the right, I think that's the dominant wind here. You have to commit to something maybe 5-10 yards out from the green and into the hazard lines. I think that's just a lot of it—committing to the shots and having fun playing against the wind.”

Lexi Ready to Defend, Nordqvist Looks to add to ShopRite LPGA Classic Resume

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