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PGA News The Professional Golfers’ Association of America 100 Avenue of the Champions Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Tel: 561-624-8400 Fax: 561-624-8448

Contact: Bob Denney July 11, 2007 (561) 876-6735

YOUNGEST TO PLAY IN THE WESTFIELD JUNIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, ALEXIS THOMPSON MAKES A SECOND TRIP AS A SEASONED VETERAN

WESTFIELD CENTER, Ohio – Two summers ago, Alexis Thompson strolled to the first tee at Westfield Group Country Club as the youngest entrant in the history of the Westfield Junior PGA Championship. Then, a 10-year-old and standing just 4-foot-10, Thompson created a stir among the assembled media and drew a gallery when she toured the course for 72 holes and tied for 45th in The PGA of America’s major championship for juniors. On Tuesday, and two weeks removed from being the youngest to compete in a U.S. Women’s Open, the 12-year-old from Coral Springs, Fla., now stands 5-foot-6 and is noticeably stronger. Without a warm-up before her only practice round, Thompson stepped to the first tee at Westfield and hit a 230-year drive that found the left side of the fairway. This year’s Thompson surrenders the youngest competitor “title,” checking in two months older than Annie Park of Levittown, N.Y. But, she is truly a “veteran” when it comes to dealing with the spotlight. Thompson posted rounds of 76 and 82 in the Open, missing the cut by 10 strokes at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C. This week is a new chapter in a young talent’s career, and one in which she said that she has a mission in her second-ever Westfield appearance. “The experience at the U.S. Open was great, but I am happy to be back here at Westfield and I am looking to improve on my finish two years ago,” said Thompson. “I want to play well, but my first goal is to make the cut after three rounds.” -- more -- Page 2\Alexis Thompson – A Seasoned Westfield Veteran

This is the second year that the Westfield Junior PGA Championship field will be trimmed after 54 holes to the low 30 and ties in each of the boys’ and girls’ division. “I do not remember the course very well, but I am excited to play in the Championship again,” said Thompson. “I’ve been home practicing since the Women’s Open, preparing myself for the next few weeks of competition. I will be going to the U.S. Junior Girls Championship in Washington and the Betsy Rawls Invitational, so this will be my first test in a few weeks.” In fact, it is the sixth event of the summer for Thompson and the first of a second “tour” of five weeks on the road. She was joined in her practice round Tuesday by her father, Scott. “The biggest change I’ve seen in two years is her length off the tee,” said Scott. “When you were hitting it 180 yards as a 10-year-old and now after nearing 240, and that makes a difference for anyone’s game. But, just because you are longer, you can still hit it crooked. But, her short game is always good.” Scott Thompson said that his daughter’s U.S. Open experience extended well beyond the gallery ropes. “She was more thrilled with signing autographs than with her golf,” he said. “I thought that she did well with the media. This week, I know she is excited to be here. This is an awesome tournament. While we were arriving late for the practice round and kind of rushed, we did go through a good afternoon. She remembered each hole as she played them. It brought back some memories. We’re hoping for a good week.” Since 1976, the Championship has been a stepping stone for competitors to either collegiate or Tour professional careers. The list of past Champions includes some of the most prominent current Tour professionals: Billy Andrade (1981), Billy Mayfair (1982), 2001 PGA Champion David Toms (1984), Sean O’Hair (1998), reigning U.S. Women’s Open Champion Cristie Kerr (1995), Trevor Immelman (1996), Grace Park (1996), Aree Song (1999, 2000), In-Bee Park (2001, ’02) and Angela Park (2004). Since 2001, Westfield Group Country Club, owned by title sponsor Westfield Insurance, has been home to the Westfield Junior PGA Championship. The site features the most Tour-like experience in junior golf for players and attendees. Golf Channel will present a highlight show from the Westfield Junior PGA Championship at a date to be determined. The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives and award-winning golf promotions. Today’s PGA Professional is the public’s link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country. ###