Alexis Thompson Files for More Playing Rights on LPGA Tour

[iacas]

http://www.thegolfchannel.com/core.a...0&select;=40594

Fifteen-year-old Alexis Thompson has officially filed a petition with the LPGA seeking more access to the tour’s schedule next season, GolfChannel.com has learned.

I think he should ratify it. Alexis is not just any old 15-year-old.

I just wonder why it took 25 pages. What the heck occupied pages 3-25 (I'm assuming there might have been a cover :D)???

[allin]

I haven't voted, but I am torn. I wonder if tours can legally approve exemptions with extra conditions that would not apply to others. I may be mistaken but hasn't she dropped out of school to seek a GED or already graduated? Do any of the federal work limitations for individuals under 16 apply to her? Can they mandate adult supervision outside of her round. I really don't know if these kind of things are even fair. It is not her golf skills that are the real question, but her personal and social development. I think Michelle Wie for one has matured slowly because she turned pro so early. There are so many willing to take advantage of precocious young talents. Movies, TV, and music abound with lives adversely affected by early professionalism.

[RemyM]

I don't think she should be granted additional sponsor exemptions. I am in favor of allowing her to join the tour even though she is under 18 but she should have to get there under the same rules as everyone else.

[zeg]

I've voted no. Not because I have anything against her, but like allin, I have reservations about letting kids be pushed into the spotlight and rigors of professional sports so young. In some cases, perhaps it's not pushing so much as the child having his/her own drive, but there seem to be plenty of examples of bad outcomes. I guess I don't see how waiting a few years or playing a reduced schedule is unfair, and while it won't directly prevent kids from being pushed into something before they're (emotionally/socially) ready, it will certainly act to encourage more of that if it has any effect.

[Shindig]

I voted yes; here's why:

I think she's going to be a superstar. And I think she's already a star in many ways.

If the LPGA Tour can get Alexis Thompson to appear at as many events as they can, this will probably drive more ticket sales and more viewers than they would without her. And these events may continue to get her presence once she decides to become a Tour member.

[iacas]

I've voted no. Not because I have anything against her, but like allin, I have reservations about letting kids be pushed into the spotlight and rigors of professional sports so young.

The thing is, she's there already. She's already going to play 6-8 times on the LPGA Tour and a few more international events.

This isn't throwing open the floodgates to let every teenybopper play pro golf - it's a unique situation with one person.

[JetFan1983]

I voted yes. It's not like she's going to be working in a sweat shop in Calcutta here. Let the beast out of its cage.

Plus, the LPGA could use the extra publicity whenever she's in the field.

[zeg]

The thing is, she's there already. She's already going to play 6-8 times on the LPGA Tour and a few more international events.

That's true, but it still offers encouragement for the next family to push their kid to follow the same path. Personally, I'd prefer that they have an age limit for the events in the first place. Sure, the kids will still be spending all their free time practicing, training, and competing, but I'd rather that occur in venues aimed at the age group. I've been a bit peevish about this topic lately because we recently had a lecture (or something) from the kid who summited Everest at age 13 last year. In that case, I feel even more strongly that his parents were being extraordinarily irresponsible. Here, I just think it'd be better for the kids not to encourage their growing up faster than necessary.

[neophyte]

It costs a lot of money to play amateur golf. Outside of the chance of winning and making money, what is the difference between amateur golf and professional golf?

[jamo]

It costs a lot of money to play amateur golf. Outside of the chance of winning and making money, what is the difference between amateur golf and professional golf?

Talent of competition? But it doesn't really matter, that's not the point of the thread. She already plays several events a year on the LPGA Tour, and already has sponsors, so she's not an amateur.

[MSDOGS1976]

Let her play. She will play golf one way or the other. It's not like if the LPGA turns her down she will say 'Oh, I guess I will go play with my dolls and be a normal kid since I can't play on the tour'. Golf is the Thompson's life. And the LPGA sure could use her.

[The Recreational Golfer]

She has a long life ahead of her to play golf, and the LPGA will do just fine until she grows up. Play golf where you can, finish your secondary education, then try the big time.

Side issue: what is it about women's golf that a 15-year-old can be a force on tour, and sub-20s can dominate? In know there are always exceptions on both sides, but it seems that young players can do quite well on the LPGA circuit whereas they are rare exceptions on the men's.

[allin]

She has a long life ahead of her to play golf, and the LPGA will do just fine until she grows up. Play golf where you can, finish your secondary education, then try the big time.

I believe women mature physically and emotionally a little sooner. I do think the sheer number of talented male players make it tougher to compete at the top levels. More men aspire to be professional athletes which means there are more talented players that must be out performed to win a spot.

[neophyte]

I have heard that she is not allowed to monday qualify. If this is true, why isn't she allowed to monday quilify?

[RemyM]

I have heard that she is not allowed to monday qualify. If this is true, why isn't she allowed to monday quilify?

23. Am I eligible to enter a Monday qualifier for an LPGA tournament?

Eligible Participants for LPGA Tour Monday qualifiers are: LPGA, non-exempt, Tournament Division Members; LPGA Class A or B, Teaching and Club Professional Division members; and two amateurs, with a certified USGA Handicap index of 3.4 or less, are eligible to enter the qualifying round. All amateurs must contact the Tournament Director directly and obtain information to enter. If additional information is required please contact the LPGA Headquarters at (386-274-6200) and request a phone contact for the Tournament Director. *Note: Professionals who are not LPGA members (including PGA members or apprentices, mini- tour players and/or foreign tour players) are not eligible to enter the qualifying round. http://www.lpga.com/content_1.aspx?mid=0&pid;=56

[Old1964]

I think the dude should do what is best for the LPGA.

Looking out for the association is at the heart of his responsibilities.

Raise American support - encourage young talent - elevate the game.

[neophyte]

I have watched children in highschool schedule classes instead of lunch and studyhall. After school they take classes at universities, meet with tutors and special teachers that only work with straight A students, go home and study with a parent or adult family member at their shoulder seven days a week and go to bed after midnight. Do volunteer work or extra curricular activities that are needed for the top university applications. These students are usually asian, middle eastern, but not always. I have academic students who do nothing but prepare for top universities. I know of two students who were admitted to university and medical school with all bills paid and spending money right out of highschool.

In my opinion students with family goals of MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, Cal Tech are working more hours with more pressure than Lexi Thompson.

A full ride with spending money to top universities for a PHD or MD is probably worth seven figures.

If letting Lexi play in the LPGA is abuse so is having children work to be valdictorian for top highschools and private schools.

[zeg]

In my opinion students with family goals of MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, Cal Tech are working more hours with more pressure than Lexi Thompson

As someone who went to MIT and is now (nearly done) at Caltech, I am going to have to disagree with this as a general assertion. Perhaps some do, but the vast majority of the people I knew at MIT and know at Caltech are pretty well balanced and don't have a background like what you describe. Certainly some do, and there can be a lot of pressure, but certainly before you get there it doesn't need to be, and in my opinion shouldn't be, that intense.

If letting Lexi play in the LPGA is abuse so is having children work to be valdictorian for top highschools and private schools.

Doing it the way you describe I'd be inclined to agree that it's not actually good for the child, although calling it abuse is a bit strong. Nonetheless, I would not advise anyone to raise their child that way.