Alexis Thompson, LGU and women's British Open

[gxer]

OK, finally, here's someone talking about Lexi and the LGU. By the way, a full exemption into the women's British Open was not asked for, just a chance to qualify.
-------------------------------------------------------
Thompson denied bid to play in Women's British Open
RANDALL MELL, Senior Writer, GolfChannel.com Posted 07/26/2010, 12:49 AM EST
Alexis Thompson wishes she were in England this morning trying to qualify for this week’s Ricoh Women’s British Open.

The 15-year-old American would be teeing it up today with 90 other players from 27 nations in the final stage qualifier at Hillside Golf Club in Southport if the British governing bodies that oversee the major championship hadn’t denied the family’s good faith appeal to get her into qualifying, according to her manager.

“We just wanted Lexi to have an opportunity to go qualify,” Bobby Kreusler, her agent at Blue Giraffe Sports, told GolfChannel.com by telephone Sunday in France. “The fact that she didn’t get the chance is not only disappointing but quite surprising.”


As a member of the American Curtis Cup team in the June matches, Thompson earned an exemption to today’s final stage of Women’s British Open qualifying. However, after she announced she was turning pro, the Ladies Golf Union, which runs amateur golf in Great Britian and Ireland, rescinded the exemption.

“That’s not unusual, we understand that,” Kreusler said.

Kreusler said Thompson was prepared to start at local qualifying, but she couldn’t.

“There was a conflict,” Kreusler said. “Lexi had no chance to go to local qualifying because it came while she was playing in the U.S. Women’s Open.”

Kreusler said the extenuating circumstances and Thompson’s record led him to seek one of the other exemptions that are available to final stage but his requests were denied.

The 90 players at today's final stage qualifier are competing for 17 spots into the Ricoh Women's British Open, which begins Thursday at Royal Birkdale.

Ladies Golf Union and Women’s British Open officials couldn’t be reached for comment Sunday night.

With her tie for 10th at the U.S. Women’s Open at brutish Oakmont two weeks ago and her tie for second at the Evian Masters on Sunday, it’s reasonable to think Thompson would have had a chance at making history in her bid to become the youngest winner of a major championship. Kreusler made it clear the family never wanted a free pass into the championship, just a chance to qualify.

[gxer]

In thinking about Lexi being denied a chance to qualify for the WBO leads me to believe that there is some behind the scenes BS going on and the first 3 letters that come to my mind regarding that BS are IMG!

[Blue]

Originally Posted by gxer

In thinking about Lexi being denied a chance to qualify for the WBO leads me to believe that there is some behind the scenes BS going on and the first 3 letters that come to my mind regarding that BS are IMG!

Really? I don't think it's a conspiracy. They're probably just a bunch of stuffy old Brits that can't turn on a dime very well to give her an exemption at the last minute after her recent good performances.

[gxer]

Originally Posted by Blue

Really? I don't think it's a conspiracy. They're probably just a bunch of stuffy old Brits that can't turn on a dime very well to give her an exemption at the last minute after her recent good performances.

Don't spoil my fun, you know I like to think that shenanigans are always going on behind the scenes, that's the way people work. IMG, who runs the WBO, sent a message to the Thompsons, when Lexi was denied a chance to qualify today for the WBO, and that message is this, you should have signed with us rather than some outfit by the name of Blue Giraffe Sports.

Blue Giraffe Sports

IMG World | Sports | Golf

[gxer]

--------
Diez-Aguirre describes Ricoh’s subsequent partnership with the Ladies Golf Union, facilitated by IMG, as “priceless” and says: “The relationship with the organiser is important to us. Being associated with the LGU is something that we want to maintain and we want to promote. But we are also doing complex business with customers who are very strong players – like senior executives – and diversity is one of our priorities.”

IMG and Ricoh remain on course - SportsPro Media

[Saint-Just X]

I doubt the LGU has some anti-Alexis Thompson agenda.

They probably take the view that as she forfeited her exemption by turning pro,they don't see any reason to offer her another one...

Pax Vobiscum
Saint-Just X

[gxer]

Originally Posted by Saint-Just X

I doubt the LGU has some anti-Alexis Thompson agenda.

They probably take the view that as she forfeited her exemption by turning pro,they don't see any reason to offer her another one...

Pax Vobiscum
Saint-Just X

That could be, but my theory is much more fun.

By the way, in 2005, the LGU slobbered all over Michelle Wie and gave her an exemption to the tournament proper, without qualifying at all, just show up and play.

[Saint-Just X]

Originally Posted by gxer

That could be, but my theory is much more fun. :

Your tinfoil hat is on too tight.

Originally Posted by gxer

By the way, in 2005, the LGU slobbered all over Michelle Wie and gave her an exemption to the tournament proper, without qualifying at all, just show up and play.

But Michelle Wie was the future of women's golf.

*giggles*

Anyway,if Alexis Thompson's career continues on its current path,she won't have to worry about qualifying for the WBO in future years.

Up to 74th in the world now...

Pax Vobiscum
Saint-Just X

[gxer]

Another writer gives his 2 cents on the exemption denial to final qualifying.
--------------------------

Thompson missing out on Women?s British

[gxer]

The final qualifier is over. 76 players turned in cards.

Scoreboard - Ricoh Women's British Open FQ