Alexis Thompson revved up for pro career

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - Alexis Thompson's professional golf career got off to a roaring start Wednesday, when the 15-year-old arrived at Seaview in the No. 83 Red Bull Racing Toyota Camry.

No, Thompson was not behind the wheel of the thundering stock car, although she has a learner's permit.

After climbing out of the passenger-side window as deftly as a NASCAR veteran, Thompson smiled broadly while a throng of photographers captured the bizarre moment.

It was clear that the teen from Coral Springs, Fla., is comfortable in front of the camera. She will get a chance to prove she can handle the pressure of playing on golf's biggest stage when she makes her professional debut this weekend in the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

"This is my dream; this is what I've always wanted to do," Thompson said moments later in her coming-out news conference. "Just to play against the best in the world and on these great golf courses, this is what I always wanted to do my whole life."

The timing of Thompson's pro debut is not an accident; she maintained her amateur status long enough to help the United States defeat Great Britain and Ireland on Sunday in the Curtis Cup in Massachusetts.

That success, coupled with her splashy entrance, was not lost on tournament executive director Tim Erensen.

"Lexi has brought a tremendous amount of excitement to an event that already had a number of great story lines," Erensen said. "She's riding a lot of momentum right now, and it's fun to be a part of it."

Thompson, who at 12 became the youngest-ever qualifier for the U.S. Women's Open, already has competed in seven pro events as an amateur. She believes that she has what it takes to make the cut. Among the 150 players entered in the Classic, such notables as Cristie Kerr; Michelle Wie; and Paula Creamer, who is back from surgery on her left hand, will take to the Bay Course just minutes before Thompson is expected to tee off at 1 p.m. Friday.

"I'll probably be a little nervous, but I'm just going to go out there and play my game and try to do my best," Thompson said. "I would probably say all my LPGA events have helped me with experience. I feel my game is ready, and want to take it to the next level. I'm so happy that I'm fulfilling my dreams."

Judy Thompson admitted to a few nervous pangs watching her daughter being chauffeured to the golf resort in a race car, but pronounced her prodigy ready to achieve her goals.

"As parents, you shouldn't hold your kids back from their dreams," the proud mother said.

That sentiment was echoed by Lexi's father, Scott Thompson, who will be able to keep a close eye on her career by serving as her caddie.

"I got a little choked up, watching her pull up in that car and realizing that she was realizing her dream," Scott Thompson said. "For the past year she's wanted to turn pro, always asking, 'When, Dad, when?' Believe me, she's good enough to compete. She's ready."

Thompson, who dreams of having her own clothing line some day, has received advice and guidance from a number of pros, including her older brother Nicholas, who is in his fourth season on the PGA Tour. She also has been home-schooled since sixth grade along with another golf-playing sibling, 17-year-old brother Curtis.

As for the flashy entrance in the stock car, Thompson has sponsorships from Red Bull and Puma, which, she said, "represent me really well - you know, young, fun, cool lifestyle."