Why Is Lexi Thompson Not Playing at 2024 Shriners Children’s Open? Sad Reality Explained

Exactly a year ago, Lexi Thompson made a groundbreaking and historic move to grow women’s golf. The 29-year-old pro made her debut on the men’s circuit, the PGA Tour at the Shriners Children’s Open and became only the seventh woman in history to play an event on the PGA Tour. Even though Thompson had a busy LPGA Tour schedule, she still received an invitation to become a part of the event.

For the 11-time LPGA Tour winner, there were no second thoughts. She said, “It was basically an automatic yes. It was kind of last minute, last notice. I was like, ‘Alright, OK, let’s go.’ I didn’t know that it was in the works, but I’m very happy that it was.” And just like that Thompson made history. So, why not this year as well? In 2023, the LPGA Tour star was playing on a sponsor exemption and it is not always the case that a pro would get an exemption or an invitation.

Secondly, even if she did get an exemption, it would not have been possible for Thompson to tee up at TPC Summerlin. The reason behind this is that the 29-year-old pro is suffering from a wrist injury. Thompson injured her wrist in 2023 as she overworked herself during a break. Now it seems that her injury has resurfaced. The tall LPGA golfer shared a post on Instagram and notified her fans that she would be taking a break as her wrist “has gotten worse” and hopefully, finish the year on a better note.

Notably, this will be the last year for Thompson as a golf professional. Thus, she would want to make it a memorable and lasting one but her injury may disrupt her plans for more events. Nonetheless, if the recovery goes perfectly, Thompson may participate in the Annika Driver By Gainbridge on November 14. While she will miss the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open, how did Thompson perform last year?