ALEXIS (15) WANTS TO PLAY IN MORE LPGA EVENTS

FROM THE GOLFWEEK WEBSITE
By Sean Martin
Alexis Thompson has petitioned the LPGA for additional starts in 2011, Golfweek has learned. Thompson, 15, is limited to six LPGA starts per year under current rules because she is not an LPGA member.
The LPGA requires members to be at least 18 years old. Thompson is asking to be allowed to accept sponsor exemptions into 12 events in 2011, her agent, Bobby Kreusler, told Golfweek.
“We’re not looking for a full card,” Kreusler said. “We’re not looking for full privileges.

“Our petition says that we believe that this young girl has proven that she has earned the right to additional starts on the LPGA tour. It doesn’t mean we’re seeking membership on the LPGA tour. Those six additional starts could come in the form of six additional (sponsor) exemptions.”

Thompson earned $336,472 this year, equivalent to 34th on the LPGA money list. She finished 10th at the U.S. Women’s Open and second at the Evian Masters.

Kreusler said the petition does not address potential LPGA membership before Thompson turns 18. She will turn 16 on February 10, 2011. She is scheduled to graduate from high school in 2013.
“I didn’t get into the specifics of (membership) for the very simple reason that I don’t want to cloud the issue of what I’m trying to do,” Kreusler said.

Kreusler told Golfweek he has received an “overwhelming” number of requests from tournaments asking her to play in 2011.

The U.S. Women’s Open, for which she is exempt, would not count toward the 12 starts, nor would the Women’s British Open, if she were to qualify. Kreusler said Thompson will play no more than 15 to 17 worldwide events, regardless of whether the LPGA allows her additional starts.