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What You Can Learn From Lexi Thompson's Performance at the Shriners Children's Open

By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on

Lexi Thompson chips at the Shriners Children's Open

Lexi Thompson teed it up on the PGA TOUR this past week at the Shriners Children's Open. Her rolling of the dice in Las Vegas may have been a interesting decision to some, especially with her probably having one of her most challenging seasons on the LPGA this year. But she became the seventh woman in TOUR history to tee it up in an event, and almost made history.
Sometimes stretching your boundaries and really testing yourself with something new may be just what the doctor ordered to help you improve your game.
While Lexi missed the cut, she played remarkably well, especially under the circumstances. Challenging herself like this could prove to be the catalyst for good things to come for the rest of her 2023 season and into 2024.
Golfers should learn to get comfortable with the uncomfortable in order to take their game to the next level.
Lexi Thompson hits a driver at the Shriners Children's Open. (Getty Images)
Lexi Thompson hits a driver at the Shriners Children's Open. (Getty Images)
I love challenging my students in several ways and making them uncomfortable. I see that as a way to help them expand their potential on the course. You, too, can try some of these tricks below to really challenge yourself:
Try the tips!
While I am a huge proponent of playing from tees that are more up to your speed and ability level, occasionally teeing it up from a very challenging distance can give you some intel on what you are capable of during a round.
Doing this should only be something you do occasionally, and you should prepare for this exercise by lowering your expectations. You are out there to test yourself but should never beat yourself up for a poor score should that be your outcome. Remember, this is just an occasional exercise, so try to learn from the experience.
Play the shortest tees
Conversely, you should also challenge yourself occasionally from the furthest up tees, too. In this exercise, you are looking to get uncomfortable in an entirely different way. You will attempt to go as low as you can: attack pins, go for drivable par 4s, and get aggressive on the par 5s.
Going low on an "easy" layout or struggling on a "tough" one both get you out of your comfort zone and allow you to learn to adapt to this ever-changing game.
Play a round with two clubs
This is a favorite exercise of mine to test my students. Playing a round with just two clubs requires you to get creative on the types of shots you play. This can also show you, once again, what you are capable of when you get into challenging situations, so long as you have the right mindset.
Late in the evening (which, by the way, is one of my favorite times to play), head out on the course for a quick nine holes. Play two balls in a one-person scramble format, but the twist is to play the worst ball of the two. This, again, will test you and help you get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Play for "something"
Finally, you should find some really good players to play with and put something on the line while you are at it. Mindset is everything here, like with every other suggestion above, so go into this with lower expectations of the final outcome but also with the idea that you can hang with them.
Lexi Thompson hits her drive at the second during the Shriners Children's Open. (Getty Images)
Lexi Thompson hits her drive at the second during the Shriners Children's Open. (Getty Images)
All these exercises above are opportunities and chances to grow as a golfer by learning from and getting comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Challenging yourself with anything in life can be a means to an end . . . and honestly, it can become enjoyable if you understand why you are doing it!
Brendon R. Elliott, PGA

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

After 16 remarkable years of nurturing young talent and fostering a love for golf through The Little Linksters Golf Academy, Brendon Elliott is excited to announce the transition of leadership to esteemed Coach Ricky Collado in 2025. As the baton is passed, Coach Ricky will take charge of all operations and become the primary point of contact for any Linksters-related inquiries. As Brendon steps into a new chapter, the focus will shift to launching and growing BE A GOLFER, a new academy dedicated to competitive teenage golfers. This initiative will continue both in-person and remote coaching, harnessing years of expertise to nurture the next generation of golfing talent. Further expanding horizons, Brendon will also dedicate time to One More Roll Golf Media. This venture aims to collaborate with various golf media outlets and businesses, delivering high-quality written, video, and voice content. Despite these new ventures, Brendon will remain closely connected with Little Linksters. A commitment to collaboration with Coach Ricky will continue, particularly with projects like the PGA Junior League, ensuring a lasting impact and smooth transition. “I am thrilled about the future of Little Linksters under Coach Ricky Collado’s leadership. This transition marks a change and an exciting new direction for me and the academy. I look forward to contributing my efforts towards developing competitive young golfers and advancing in the golf media landscape.” ~ Brendon R. Elliott, PGA More About Coach Brendon... Brendon Elliott is a distinguished PGA Professional who has received over 25 prestigious industry awards recognizing his contributions and influence in youth golf, most notably, the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. With numerous appearances on the Golf Channel and local news outlets in Florida, Brendon has established himself as a respected educator and influencer in the golf industry. Renowned for his expertise in all aspects of golf, he is a sought-after speaker at golfing events and panels. In the past three years, Brendon has expanded into media, writing for esteemed outlets such as PGA.com, PGA Magazine, Golf.com, GolfWRX.com, RG.org, and many others. Elliott is also part of the “Quiet Please Golf Podcast” crew and hosts a livestream show on the Golf Live App called “Monday Evening Tee Time.” Brendon’s dedication to advancing the sport has made a significant impact on the golf community.

Meet Brendon

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