Lexi Thompson Wins Aramco; LPGA Tour Returns in Korea

Lexi Thompson plays her shot on the eighth tee during the third round of The Ascendant LPGA benefiting Volunteers of America at Old American Golf Club in The Colony, Texas, on Oct. 1, 2022. Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Professional golfer Lexi Thompson has broken through a long slump with her first victory in over three years to win the Aramco Team Series on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point in New York.

The LET (Ladies European Tour) event victory moved Thompson to No. 7 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings—following her three-shot victory with a final round of 69, following rounds of 71–65, for a total of 205 (–11).

The 11-time LPGA Tour winner finished three strokes ahead of Brooke Henderson (68) and Madelene Sagstrom (69) who tied for second at –8.

Thompson began the final round one shot ahead of fellow Floridian Nelly Korda—who finished fourth at –7.

“Just a blessing to be here had a great week. The team aspect of the Aramco Team Series is always so much fun, but to be able to win the individuals, definitely a blessing, and I worked my butt off to get here,” said Thompson.

The 2014 Major Winner made a birdie on the opening hole, but bogeyed holes No. 3 and No. 9, before building a large lead with birdies on Numbers 10, 11, 15, and 17. She ended with a final hole bogey.

“It feels amazing and to be able to share it with my brother [Nick] on the bag. He really did help me out a lot out there just keeping me calm and relaxed and we had a good time,” added the 27-year-old veteran.

“I never doubted myself. I mean, I know if I put in the hard work it would eventually pay off, and just getting myself in contention, and then those moments in those final rounds. I knew one time it would pay off, so you know it’s a matter of learning from those experiences,” said Thompson whose last victory came at the ShopRite LPGA Classic in 2019.

Thompson added that she had been working “extremely hard on her game,” learning from her recent near victories, and she felt that it was a matter of time before returning to the winner’s circle.

The LET event had a total purse of $500,00 with a field of 78—and is one of six LET tournaments backed by Golf Saudi and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

The Aramco Team Series consists of five events, with the season final event to be held in Saudi Arabia in November.

LPGA Tour Returns

The LPGA Tour resumed Thursday, Oct. 20, with the BMW Ladies Championship in Wonju, South Korea.

World No. 2 and two-time LPGA rookie winner Atthaya Thitikul shot a single-round record 9–under 63 to take the first-round lead.