The Golf Blog: Will 15-year-old Alexis Thompson save the LPGA?
The Golf Blog says: Just received this press release from Puma.
Alexis “Lexi” Thompson, 15, has become the youngest female golfer to turn professional. The announcement comes on the heels of a U.S. Curtis Cup victory, where Lexi posted a 4-0-1 record. She’s currently the No. 1 women’s amateur in the world. Three years ago at age 12, she was the youngest player ever to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open. Now in her pivotal first year as a pro, she won’t be alone on the course: COBRA-PUMA GOLF has become the rising star’s official equipment, footwear and apparel sponsor, making Lexi its first athlete signed under both the Cobra and PUMA Golf brands that joined forces earlier this spring.
“Lexi’s style and groundbreaking performance on the course make her the perfect Cobra and PUMA Golf representative,” said Bob Philion, President of COBRA-PUMA GOLF. “Our brands are well suited to her game right now and are poised to progress with her career in the future, while she develops as a professional golfer.”
Lexi’s youthfulness, commitment to the sport, and drive for performance makes her an ideal athlete for COBRA-PUMA GOLF. She joins the company’s current world-class roster that includes PUMA Golf’s Rickie Fowler, Johan Edfors, and Anna Nordqvist, and Cobra’s Ian Poulter, Camilo Villegas and J.B. Holmes. Lexi, however, will be the first professional representing both brands on the course. As part of this long-term partnership, she will wear PUMA Golf shoes featuring Smart Quill technology, and PUMA’s performance golf apparel. She will also play the Cobra S2 Driver (8.5°), Cobra S2 Fairway (3-wood), Baffler Rail Hybrid (2/H) and Cobra S2 Forged irons (3-PW), and will be featured in upcoming marketing campaigns, consumer and trade events.
“I am proud to represent Cobra and PUMA Golf,” she said. “Not only do both brands make great, technically advanced products that will help me play better on the course, but I’ve always loved them both for their edge and style. In my last amateur event, I played a Cobra S2 Driver and S2 Forged irons, and look forward to wearing my new PUMA gear at my first professional event in June. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to having fun and excelling on the course during my first few years as a professional golfer, with the support of COBRA-PUMA GOLF.”
The Coral Springs, Florida native comes from a lineage of golfers that includes older brothers Nick, a 27-year old PGA Tour pro, and Curtis, 17, who will play golf at Louisiana State University this fall. Parents Judy and Scott also enjoy the game. Scott will caddie for Lexi during her first professional year. While on tour, Lexi will continue her education through home schooling by her parents and under close supervision from educational professionals.
Known for her independent spirit and drive for success, Lexi’s life off the course is focused around family and fun. An avid music and reality television fan, she also likes to relax by listening to music and bowling with friends.
She debuts with COBRA-PUMA GOLF at the 2010 LPGA ShopRite Classic in New Jersey June 18-20, followed by the 2010 Women’s U.S. Open in July. At last week’s Curtis Cup, Lexi won four matches, including a 6-and-5 win on Sunday. Earlier this year, she was runner-up at the 2010 Harder Hall Invitational and Dixie Amateur. She’s played in three consecutive U.S. Women’s Opens (2007-2009), captured both the 2008 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and 2009 Junior PGA Championship, and successfully represented the U.S. in the 2009 Junior Solheim Cup.
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