Lexi Thompson came out firing on all cylinders Thursday at the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, carding a 7-under 65 that included eight birdies to take a one-shot lead in the 72-player field at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Fla.
The 2018 champion started hot with five birdies through her first seven holes, and after a lone bogey on No 9, Thompson rebounded with birdies on numbers 12, 17 and 18 to take the lead over Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen, whose 66 was one of just four bogey-free rounds on Thursday.
“It was great just being out here. I love coming to Naples,” said Florida resident Thompson, 25, whose 65 is her lowest 18-hole score of 2020.
“It is definitely one of my favourite events. It's a lot different now just not having my whole group of family that always come this week, but we're just happy to be playing this week and my brother and I had a lot of fun.”
Thompson's brother, Korn Ferry Tour player Curtis Thompson, was back on the bag after he last caddied for her in November at the Pelican Women's Championship, where she finished tied for 27th. Curtis also caddied two years ago in Naples for his sister's 10th career victory.
“It's great to have him on the bag. I always cherish every opportunity we get to spend together. But to have him out there, he's always joking and keeping me loose,” Thompson said.
“Obviously playing great helps. Always keeps a smile on the face. I just wanted to go into this week and just play relaxed golf. I've been stressing a lot just trying to get my game where I think it should be, but instead I just went out and tried to have fun with my brother on the bag.”
Koerstz Madsen, who started on the back nine in her second Tour Championship appearance, recorded six total birdies, including five of them between No 15 and No 2.
“I feel good,” said Koerstz Madsen, who is No 76 in the Rolex Rankings.
“I was a little shaky on my driver going into the event, and putting as well, actually. So now it is always nice to start off with a good round. I don't have any expectations. I just want to go out and play and see if I can do good mentally.”
Three players sit tied for third at 5 under including Germany's Caroline Masson, Megan Khang, and defending champion Sei Young Kim of South Korea.
Rounding out the top 10 in a tie for sixth place are six players at 4 under, including 2014 champion Cristie Kerr and Rolex Rankings No 1 Jin Young Ko of South Korea, who played her way into the season finale through three tournaments in 2020 starting at the Pelican Women's Championship.
— Field Level Media
Thompson takes first-round lead in Naples
Image: (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Lexi Thompson came out firing on all cylinders Thursday at the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, carding a 7-under 65 that included eight birdies to take a one-shot lead in the 72-player field at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Fla.
The 2018 champion started hot with five birdies through her first seven holes, and after a lone bogey on No 9, Thompson rebounded with birdies on numbers 12, 17 and 18 to take the lead over Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen, whose 66 was one of just four bogey-free rounds on Thursday.
“It was great just being out here. I love coming to Naples,” said Florida resident Thompson, 25, whose 65 is her lowest 18-hole score of 2020.
“It is definitely one of my favourite events. It's a lot different now just not having my whole group of family that always come this week, but we're just happy to be playing this week and my brother and I had a lot of fun.”
Thompson's brother, Korn Ferry Tour player Curtis Thompson, was back on the bag after he last caddied for her in November at the Pelican Women's Championship, where she finished tied for 27th. Curtis also caddied two years ago in Naples for his sister's 10th career victory.
“It's great to have him on the bag. I always cherish every opportunity we get to spend together. But to have him out there, he's always joking and keeping me loose,” Thompson said.
“Obviously playing great helps. Always keeps a smile on the face. I just wanted to go into this week and just play relaxed golf. I've been stressing a lot just trying to get my game where I think it should be, but instead I just went out and tried to have fun with my brother on the bag.”
Koerstz Madsen, who started on the back nine in her second Tour Championship appearance, recorded six total birdies, including five of them between No 15 and No 2.
“I feel good,” said Koerstz Madsen, who is No 76 in the Rolex Rankings.
“I was a little shaky on my driver going into the event, and putting as well, actually. So now it is always nice to start off with a good round. I don't have any expectations. I just want to go out and play and see if I can do good mentally.”
Three players sit tied for third at 5 under including Germany's Caroline Masson, Megan Khang, and defending champion Sei Young Kim of South Korea.
Rounding out the top 10 in a tie for sixth place are six players at 4 under, including 2014 champion Cristie Kerr and Rolex Rankings No 1 Jin Young Ko of South Korea, who played her way into the season finale through three tournaments in 2020 starting at the Pelican Women's Championship.
— Field Level Media
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