Backspin: Too Young for the Tour?

By MERCER BAGGS
Managing Editor, GolfChannel.com

 
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER: Alexis Thompson finished one shot out of a playoff at the Evian Masters. The 15-year-old, playing in just her third career start as a professional, shot 67-67 over the weekend. For the week, she played the final two holes on the course in 7 under par – with back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18 Sunday.

If Thompson eventually petitions the LPGA for a waiver of their age requirement (must be 18 to be an official tour member), Michael Whan and company would do well to grant it. Yes, she is 15. Yes, she is a rising sophomore in high school (home school). And yes, the LPGA should have the right to have an age limit – it's not in everyone's best interest to play full time on tour at such a young age. But Thompson is a rare breed. She's got the game, got the support system, and if she's good enough to earn her card, she should be able to use it.