Lexi Thompson Fires Bogey-Free 64 to Start The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican
Photo Credit: 2023 Getty Images
BELLEAIR, Fla. – Lexi Thompson showcased her love for Pelican Golf Club on Thursday during the first round of The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. The Florida native delivered an impressive performance, firing a bogey-free, 6-under 64 to kick off her week in Belleair, Fla.
Thompson started her round on the back nine, quickly grabbing a birdie on the par-3 12th hole and adding another on the par-5 14th hole to move to 2-under. She continued her momentum on the front nine, making four birdies in a five-hole stretch on holes 1, 3, 4, and 5. With four consecutive pars to close out her round, Thompson finished at 6-under, just two shots behind the first-round leader, Brooke Henderson.
This remarkable 64 is Thompson’s lowest 18-hole score of the 2023 LPGA Tour season. It also marks the first time she has recorded a round of 64 or better since the 2022 ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. Notably, this is the third time Thompson has shot a round of 64 or better at Pelican Golf Club, having achieved the feat during the second round in 2021. Additionally, this 64 is her lowest first-round score of the year, surpassing her previous benchmark of 65.
Thompson attributed her strong performance to her recent showings at the Solheim Cup and the Shriners Children’s Open. These events boosted her confidence and renewed her self-belief, providing the foundation for her success in this late stage of the season.
“Both events did extreme amounts for my confidence,