NAPLES, Fla. — Lexi Thompson is back to a spot where she’s won the Race to the CME Globe and also won the actual CME Group Tour Championship. And she’s got another connection to the win — her brother Curtis is her caddie this week.
“It feels amazing to be back,” she said. “Unfortunately it’s a lot different this year not having my whole 20 group of family members and everybody, but at least we’re playing, and it’s nice to be just back in Naples playing here.”
Thompson’s parents are here, and her dog, Leo.
The makeup is different than last week at the U.S. Women’s Open, when she had Bryson DeChambeau’s caddie, Tim Tucker, on the bag.
“It was great to have Tim on the bag,” she said. “He’s an amazing guy, a lot of calculations out there. He does his work. He just puts the time on the golf course. That’s all we want from a caddie.
“We had a good time, like I said, I didn’t play well at all. It was great to have him help me out there, and it’s great to have my brother out this week.”
Home game for Henderson
Canada’s Brooke Henderson has ended up spending much of her time at her Southwest Florida condo, partly due to the coronavirus travel restrictions, and partly due to the weather here.
“I went home to Canada early in the spring when it was the full lockdown,” Henderson said. “Since I’ve been back out on tour, most weeks off I’ve been spending here in Southwest Florida. Just easier to practice, a lot warmer, a lot better conditions. So I’ve been able to spend a fair amount of time here the last few months of it’s been really nice.”
Henderson is the lone Southwest Florida connection playing since Popov did not qualify or get a sponsor invitation.
Kerr still in, Lee out
Cristie Kerr dislocated three ribs and suffered other injuries in a golf-cart accident last week, but mustered through the U.S. Women’s Open. She played the first 14 holes of the pro-am before stopping Wednesday. She still is in the field, where she is a former champion.
Mi Hyang Lee, who was 60th on the Race to the CME Globe points list, withdrew, and Robynn Ree replaced her in the field. That makes Angel Yin the first alternate. No reason for Lee’s withdrawal was given.
How to watch
Thursday
1-4 p.m., Golf Channel
Friday
1-4 p.m., Golf Channel
Saturday
1-4 p.m., Golf Channel
Sunday
12-3 p.m., NBC
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