“It was the first year last year and I feel like the hospitality that we received was truly top notch and what FM does to treat us as players and make us feel really special throughout the week,” said Thompson. “Let alone, we get to play TPC Boston. It’s a pretty amazing golf course.”
Thompson shattered barriers by being the youngest to qualify for the US Women’s Open in 2007, at just 12 years old. Thompson turned professional at 15, before she could legally drive. She purchased her first house when she was 19.
Her life starkly differentiated itself from history classes, SAT prep, and prom. She grew up on a golf course, literally and figuratively.
Thanks to her headline grabbing early years, she’s been a must-see player wherever she goes and a staple in front of the camera. She transformed into one of the game’s figureheads and brightest stars.
Last year, Thompson announced she was stepping away from a full-time playing schedule. Newly engaged and with a dog, Leo, at home, Thompson looks ahead to her next steps.
“Definitely thinking about the future a lot more now that I’m engaged, getting married next year,” said Thompson. “I want to settle down and have a family. That’s my No. 1 priority. This is my 15th year. I’ve done what I’ve needed to out here.”
“I love being out here and playing in front of the fans,” she continued. “That is an amazing feeling for me. I’m truly grateful for that, but there’s a lot more to life.”
The FM Championship marks the ninth event of the season for the veteran, a far cry from the 23 on the schedule.
This season, the 30-year-old Thompson made the cut six times and owns a pair of top-10 finishes. Thompson holds the No. 58 position in the Rolex Rankings.
After a 1-under-par 71 and a 2-under 70 to squeak into the weekend, she caught fire by birdieing three of her first seven holes before riding the par-train for a bogey-free round of 3-under 69 in the third round. She’s in the middle of the leaderboard at 6 under for the tournament.
Even for tap-in putts, the applause for Thompson sounded akin to a mid-range make. The gathered crowd still yearns for her to succeed, following her every move.
“Coming into the week, I was still struggling ball-striking wise,” said Thompson. “Today felt really good, felt like I was really confident over my shots and I hit a lot more solid golf shots out there. I’m going to take that into tomorrow.”
Thompson competed last week for the first time since June at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open, where she missed the cut at 8 over par. She acknowledged that her putts ventured all over the edges and it wasn’t her week.
“Last week, I don’t know what happened,” said Thompson. “I liked Canada — it did not like me.”
Despite looking ahead at the next chapter of her life, Thompson cherishes being an inspiration for the next generation of female golfers. After all, she’s grown up in the game.
“I got to see a lot of little kids out here,” said Thompson. “It’s amazing to see how much the game of golf is growing. I think that just goes to show, as role models out here on the LPGA, what we’re really doing for the game.”
Does she see herself in the young faces in the crowd?
“I can’t say that I went out to many tournaments when I was little, but it’s just great to see a smile on their faces and really just enjoying being out here, supporting us, and hopefully getting a club in their hand at a younger age,” she said.
Cam Kerry can be reached at cam.kerry@globe.com.
