You often hear women’s golf fans say that it seems like Lexi Thompson has been in the game for forever. Just 26 years old, Thompson is in her 10th year on Tour and competing in her ninth AIG Women’s Open. She made her debut in this major in 2012, just one year after Carnoustie first hosted the major championship. And it’s safe to say that after a first-round 69, the famed links is more than living up to Thompson’s lofty expectations.
“I expected it to be a little bit difficult, weather depending. It's just an amazing layout. It's tough, but it's fair,” said Thompson, who is tied for ninth after 18 holes. “That's what we look for in a golf course. But it's in spectacular shape. I didn't watch too much of the guys, but I've had a few practice rounds, and I have a local caddie on my bag this week, and it's been a lot of help.”
That local caddie, Paul Drummond, picked up the bag after Thompson and Jack Fulgham parted ways following the Olympics. Thompson admits that links golf is not her most familiar venue and she relied on Drummond’s course expertise to help spur on the successful round. And it helps that the duo immediately hit it off as friends.
“Great personality to have out on the bag. He caddies out here a bunch and is a great player as well. So that's even better,” said Thompson. “Just the local knowledge, especially for me, I don't play over here a ton, only really once a year. So knowing the local knowledge of the golf course, the bounces, where to miss if you need to, it helps out tremendously and makes you a lot more free over certain shots.”
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