15-Year-Old Golf Prodigy Alexis Thompson Earns Wings and License to Drive

GALLOWAY, N.J., June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- From being the youngest female to ever qualify to play in the U.S. Women's Open as a 12-year-old, to having a 'license to drive' as a 15-year-old and joining the LPGA Tour, Alexis "Lexi" Thompson upped the energy level at her debut press conference earlier today.

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Lexi, one of the country's most decorated female amateur golfers, made her presence felt leading into her first LPGA tournament – the ShopRite Classic – by driving up to Seaview – A Dolce Resort - in the Red Bull Racing show car. Though she may not have her driver's license yet, the teen is known for the power of her drive on the golf course.

Officially announcing her participation in the tournament and her partnership with Red Bull, Lexi arrived to the club house loud and proud, and let her personality and passion show. "I've always felt Red Bull was a fun brand because they push the limits and don't do things in a traditional way," said Lexi. "I look forward to putting my new wings to use both on and off the course."

Coming off a weekend where she ended her amateur career by helping the U.S. team win the women's Curtis Cup over Great Britain and Ireland, Lexi's signature power, poise and presence – along with her emerging personality off the course – has potentially positioned her as the next great talent on the LPGA tour.

Lexi brings championship pedigree to a Red Bull athlete roster of high performers around the world. The roster includes Super Bowl Champion Reggie Bush, Vancouver Olympic gold medalists Shaun White and Lindsey Vonn, and the Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo.

Lexi, from Coral Springs, Florida, was named Golfweek's 2009 Women's Amateur Player of the Year and the 2009 Junior Girls Player of the year. Along with being the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open, she has represented her country in the Junior Ryder Cup and Junior Solheim Cup, and was the youngest winner ever of the Junior PGA Championship in 2009. Following her pro debut at The ShopRite LPGA Classic, Lexi is scheduled to play in her fourth U.S. Women's Open, beginning July 8 at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa.

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SOURCE Red Bull