American teenage sensation, Lexi Thompson created history in becoming the youngest winner on either the Ladies European Tour (LET) or LPGA Tour in the States with victory in the Dubai Ladies Masters.
Thompson, at age just 16 years, 10 months and eight days, posted a final round 67 to win by four shoots on the Emirates course in the UAE.
In doing so she became the youngest-ever winner on either tour.
Alexis Thompson - youngest ever winner on LET and LPGA Tours. (Photo - Thanks to Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.)
Thompson left her rivals trailing in the Dubai desert sand winning her second event as a pro from South African Lee-Anne Pace.
In September, Thompson became the youngest winner of an LPGA tournament in capturing the Navistar LGPA Classic in Alabama.
“It feels amazing,” said Thompson.
“I’m just honored they invited me back and I’m just grateful to be here. I’ve been working on my game really hard and it has paid off.”
Thompson set up her victory when she chipped in for a birdie at the ninth take a one-shot lead over Pace and extended her lead with four birdies on the back nine for a 15-under 273 total on the same course that will host next February’s men’s Dubai Desert Classic.
Pace, the 2010 European No. 1, spoilt her hopes of success with a poor second shot that flew the green at the 12th for the second bogey in five holes.
“Things could have been a little different,” Pace said.
“I hit a bad club on 12, which cost me a shot, and that is where things changed around.”
Sweden’s Sophie Gustafson (71) was a shot behind Pace in third place followed by four players another shot back.
Pre-tournament favourite Michelle Wie (72) ended the event five shots behind Thompson and was never really a threat after two bogeys and a double-bogey on the front nine that left her languishing in a share of 12th.
“It was pretty frustrating. I couldn’t get my putts going,” Wie said.
“I just needed to play better on the front nine all week. Nothing really went. Nothing went in. At least, I finished birdie, birdie. I gotta work on a lot of things for next season.”
Thompson’s father Scott, who caddies for her, said he was most impressed how she handled the pressure when Pace made her run.
“She didn’t panic and kept playing her game, not worrying about what else anyone was doing,” he said.
Wie offered a congratulatory tweet and predicted she would be force to be reckoned with in the future. The 22-year-old Wie praised the support Thompson gets not only from her father but her entire entourage.
“I think she kind of has that mentality, just grip it and rip it,” said Wie.
“She just goes out there and just kind of has fun, which is really nice to see. She’s a really talented player and I’m really impressed.”
Thompson now heads to Christmas with the golf world at her feet.
“There’s not really any pressure,” she said.
“I’m just playing the game and doing what I love. Playing every week in these tournaments is an honor for me, so I’m just coming out and relaxing and doing my best.”
