Jump to content
2024 Houston Open WITB Photos ×

Lexi Thompson wedge action


Recommended Posts

PRE-STORY I’m watching the 1st round of KPMG and I see Lexi and Lydia playing the 12th hole (maybe 13th). Lexi, as expected, is miles and miles ahead of Ko. Lydia feathers a long iron in to about 5 ft. Lexi takes her massive divot and flys the green. To compound the issue her short game gets exposed as her chip was awful leaving her about another 7 ft outside of Lydia. The chip was from the back fringe and left her plenty of room with minimal slope. She’s so far from the hole it speaks to her lack of distance control, even if she wanted to spin it back. So all that distance is wasted, kind of like watching young DJ.

OBSERVATION :

All her wedge shots are these steep hold off shots with very low hands in the follow through and a low finish. I fully understand the point and value of being able to do this, however today it was wet and still. If she could have used that speed to generate a higher ball flight, more like Jason Day, she could have been sticking daggers in that green all day. She certainly generates elite club head speed relative to her field like Jason. With all that turf digging and abrupt follow through, you also fear for the long term implications of a swing with those components.

QUESTION:

If you’re in Lexi’s camp (obviously we’re not) do you push for her to polish up her approach game? Would it hurt/disrupt the rest of her game to get a swing with a high, more natural finish? Yes her short game isn’t up to top caliber level either, but she seems to be missing by large margins from scoring distances. As a far inferior golfer and a huge fan of Lexi Thompson, I’m in no way trying to be snooty. I want her to be world #1 and I think she will certainly do it.

CONCLUSION: I just think polishing up that approach game would serve her (and her wrists) better than her putting or chipping. You need a hot putter to win on Tour that’s undeniable, but I don’t ever see her being a player whose gonna rattle off 15 and 20 foot putts to take down a field, or stun you with Seve-esque short game magic.

 

In baseball they refer to a complete player as a 5-tool player, having and excelling at all components relevant to success in the sport. Tiger Woods would be (obviously) a 5 tool golfer having elite power, control, putting, scrambling, etc. Although I don’t think she’ll ever be a “5 tool player,†I do think she’s one more tool away from being an Elite player. One who can string together a nice stretch as world no.1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 12
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I don’t think you have to worry about her getting to number 1.

 

She’s a Terrible putter which is never going to change, and she’s going to cripple herself digging trenches the way she does.

 

I have early onset arthritis in my hands and all sorts of tendonitis issues and I can hardly stand to watch her hit. I cringe when the divots fly.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

OP....yes...Lexi really doesn't have much finesse to her short iron approaches....a one dimensional full out Lexi Lean swing....but I doubt she'll be able to change it...it's in her DNA.

And when she's nervous...Lexi has a bit of the yips on her chips and short putts.

 

I don't know if Lexi is still under Jim Maclean's guidance....maybe he's given up trying to change her swing mechanics.

 

I don't believe Lexi will ever be a really good putter...she's had years to really improve....yes it's better ,,,,,but not it's not great when the pressure is on....the talking heads at the GC studios also talked about this on the KPMG press conference coverage on Tuesday.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don’t think you have to worry about her getting to number 1.

Never say never...Lexi could go on a hot streak and become #1.....but IF she does become #1...she won't hold onto it for long.

 

Who would have ever guessed that non-athletic Shanshan would ever be #1.

If you asked 1000 golfers who knew nothing about Lexi or Feng and walked them both into a room...and asked them one of these two golfers have been the #1 world ranked female golfer....I doubt 1 of the 1000 participants would say Jenny Money.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And why is she still playing S2 forged irons? Stubborn? The newer models don't perform better?

 

Also, Bettinardi stopped sponsoring her, could it be because she was really bad? Or she blamed the putter for the performance?

TM M3 9.5*
Cobra King Ltd 15*
Callaway XR 18* 

Cobra Fly Z+ 4-P

Bridgestone J15 50*

Callaway MD2 56/60*

TM Spider X Navy Blue
Srixon Z Star

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I say this in all humility, as this girl is a far better player than I have ever been, but her game has a kind of "high school'ish" vibe to it. Really poor footwork on full swings, digging trenches on approach shots, inconsistent putting...

 

I think she could benefit from someone like Butch Harmon, in a way similar to DJ and Fowler - someone who knows how to polish the quirks of a good player's swing, such that they don't interfere with consistency.

Titleist Tsi3 9/Tensei White 65x

Titleist Tsi2 16.5/Tensei White 75x

Titleist 818 h2 21/Tensei White 95x

Mizuno Mp-20 mb 4-Pw/Dynamic Gold 120x

Mizuno T22 50, 54, 58/Dynamic Gold s400

Bettinardi Studio Stock #8

Titleist ProV1x

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And why is she still playing S2 forged irons? Stubborn? The newer models don't perform better?

 

Also, Bettinardi stopped sponsoring her, could it be because she was really bad? Or she blamed the putter for the performance?

 

Definitely not the putter. With her versatility, she could miss the hole with anything.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And why is she still playing S2 forged irons? Stubborn? The newer models don't perform better?

 

Also, Bettinardi stopped sponsoring her, could it be because she was really bad? Or she blamed the putter for the performance?

 

Definitely not the putter. With her versatility, she could miss the hole with anything.

 

Which is why Bettinardi dropped her as brand ambassador.....that must have stung

 

That aside I still cheer for her though especially against Feng

TM M3 9.5*
Cobra King Ltd 15*
Callaway XR 18* 

Cobra Fly Z+ 4-P

Bridgestone J15 50*

Callaway MD2 56/60*

TM Spider X Navy Blue
Srixon Z Star

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I swear she’s looks like a shank on every pitch. Just ugly.

 

Gives real meaning to bomb and gouge

2017 M1 440 9.5* - Tensei Pro Orange 70TX
TM M3 3 wood - 14.25* - Tensei Pro White 80TX
Srixon u45 DI - 19* - Tensei Pro White Hybrid 100TX
Mizuno mp18 4-PW - Nippon Modus3 120x
Hogan TK wedges - 50*, 54*, 58* - Nippon Modus3 120x
Ping Anser OG
Snell MTB Black

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And why is she still playing S2 forged irons? Stubborn? The newer models don't perform better?

 

Also, Bettinardi stopped sponsoring her, could it be because she was really bad? Or she blamed the putter for the performance?

 

Basic perimeter weighted players irons don’t actually change in performance from year to year. It’s just marketing mumbo jumbo. Need to sell the new stuff.

 

Unless your sponsor demands you change to the newest model, why bother if you like the older one?

 

Heck, sometimes they get worse. 716 Ap2’s We’re definitely worse than 714’s. The guys couldn’t wait for the 718’s to throw those 716’s away.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Lexi is a Dustin Johnson before he went to work on his short game. She could win a whole lot more with a better 125 yards and in game. Dave Pelz could help her no doubt.

Callaway Epic Max 10.5 Mitsubishi AVBlue 65 S
Callaway Paradigm HL 3 wood Hazardous Silver 60S
Callaway Rogue ST 5 wood Mitsubishi Tensi Blue AV

Ping I25 4-LW ZZ65 

Scotty Cameron Newport 2 2013

Bridgestone B RX
God Bless America

Stay Free

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos
      Please put any questions or Comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Thorbjorn Olesen - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ben Silverman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jesse Droemer - SoTX PGA Section POY - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      David Lipsky - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Martin Trainer - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Zac Blair - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jacob Bridgeman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Trace Crowe - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jimmy Walker - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Daniel Berger - WITB(very mini) - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Chesson Hadley - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Callum McNeill - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Rhein Gibson - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Patrick Fishburn - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Peter Malnati - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Raul Pereda - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Gary Woodland WITB (New driver, iron shafts) – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Padraig Harrington WITB – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Tom Hoge's custom Cameron - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Piretti putters - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ping putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Kevin Dougherty's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Bettinardi putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Erik Barnes testing an all-black Axis1 putter – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Tony Finau's new driver shaft – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
       
      • 9 replies
    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies

×
×
  • Create New...