The Korea Herald

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Thompson seeks to defend Navistar title

By Korea Herald

Published : Sept. 20, 2012 - 22:00

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MONTGOMERY, Alabama (AFP) ― Lexi Thompson will be going for an encore performance at this week’s Navistar Classic, where the American teenager became the LPGA Tour’s youngest winner last year.

Thompson was just 16 years, seven months and eight days old when she captured her lone win in eight tournaments in 2011, winning by eight strokes on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail course.

Her age record has since been eclipsed by 15-year-old New Zealander Lydia Ko, who claimed the Canadian Women’s Open last month.

Thompson said on Wednesday that it “feels amazing to be back” playing in the Navistar. She also posted her career-low score of 65 in 2009 at the Navistar as an amateur.

“It was a great experience, especially having my dad on the bag caddying for me,” Thompson said of last year’s win.

“I can’t even describe the feelings coming up on the 18th hole. It was just so overwhelming just to experience all the fans cheering for me coming up 18.”

The world No. 25, Thompson has been playing better of late, putting in two solid tournaments after failing to make three consecutive cuts.

“I’ve played pretty consistent,” Thompson said. “Before those last two events, I struggled a little bit, but it’s golf. You’ve got to stay strong, you’ve just got to work through it. I feel pretty good about my game, just working to improve on little things.”