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What You Can Learn From Lexi Thompson's Performance at the Shriners Children's Open

By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on

Lexi Thompson chips at the Shriners Children's Open

Lexi Thompson teed it up on the PGA TOUR this past week at the Shriners Children's Open. Her rolling of the dice in Las Vegas may have been a interesting decision to some, especially with her probably having one of her most challenging seasons on the LPGA this year. But she became the seventh woman in TOUR history to tee it up in an event, and almost made history.
Sometimes stretching your boundaries and really testing yourself with something new may be just what the doctor ordered to help you improve your game.
While Lexi missed the cut, she played remarkably well, especially under the circumstances. Challenging herself like this could prove to be the catalyst for good things to come for the rest of her 2023 season and into 2024.
Golfers should learn to get comfortable with the uncomfortable in order to take their game to the next level.
I love challenging my students in several ways and making them uncomfortable. I see that as a way to help them expand their potential on the course. You, too, can try some of these tricks below to really challenge yourself:
Try the tips!
While I am a huge proponent of playing from tees that are more up to your speed and ability level, occasionally teeing it up from a very challenging distance can give you some intel on what you are capable of during a round.
Doing this should only be something you do occasionally, and you should prepare for this exercise by lowering your expectations. You are out there to test yourself but should never beat yourself up for a poor score should that be your outcome. Remember, this is just an occasional exercise, so try to learn from the experience.
Play the shortest tees
Conversely, you should also challenge yourself occasionally from the furthest up tees, too. In this exercise, you are looking to get uncomfortable in an entirely different way. You will attempt to go as low as you can: attack pins, go for drivable par 4s, and get aggressive on the par 5s.
Going low on an "easy" layout or struggling on a "tough" one both get you out of your comfort zone and allow you to learn to adapt to this ever-changing game.
Play a round with two clubs
This is a favorite exercise of mine to test my students. Playing a round with just two clubs requires you to get creative on the types of shots you play. This can also show you, once again, what you are capable of when you get into challenging situations, so long as you have the right mindset.
Late in the evening (which, by the way, is one of my favorite times to play), head out on the course for a quick nine holes. Play two balls in a one-person scramble format, but the twist is to play the worst ball of the two. This, again, will test you and help you get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Play for "something"
Finally, you should find some really good players to play with and put something on the line while you are at it. Mindset is everything here, like with every other suggestion above, so go into this with lower expectations of the final outcome but also with the idea that you can hang with them.
All these exercises above are opportunities and chances to grow as a golfer by learning from and getting comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Challenging yourself with anything in life can be a means to an end . . . and honestly, it can become enjoyable if you understand why you are doing it!
Brendon R. Elliott, PGA

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

[Brendon Elliott, PGA](https://brendonelliott.com/), is an award-winning PGA Professional, player-development coach and nationally recognized golf writer with three decades of experience in the golf industry. As of 2026, he has been a PGA Professional for 17 years and has earned more than 25 PGA Section and Chapter honors for his work in coaching, education and player development. In 2017, he received the PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. ## Coaching Competitive Teenage Golfers Through [BE A GOLFER](https://beagolfer.golf/home), Brendon specializes in working with competitive teenage golfers who want to improve their performance, better understand their games and prepare for the demands of high school, junior tournament and college golf. His primary focus is [Remote Coaching](https://beagolfer.golf/remote-coaching), which allows him to remain actively involved in a player’s development regardless of location. Rather than relying on occasional lessons or isolated swing fixes, Brendon works with players throughout their competitive journey. His coaching covers much more than the golf swing. Players receive ongoing guidance in structured practice, short-game development, putting, course management, tournament preparation, performance analysis, goal setting and the mental and physical habits required to improve over time. Using video analysis, virtual coaching sessions, performance data and regular communication, Brendon helps each player understand what to work on, why it matters and how to make meaningful progress between practices and tournaments. Brendon accepts only a limited number of in-person students in Central Florida. His priority is building long-term [Remote Coaching](https://beagolfer.golf/remote-coaching) relationships with competitive teenage golfers and their families. The goal is not simply to help a young player hit better shots. It is to help that player become more prepared, more accountable and more capable of navigating everything competitive golf demands. Brendon’s career has included serving as a head golf professional, general manager, college golf educator, career development director, academy owner and longtime junior golf leader. He founded Little Linksters Golf Academy in 2008 and led the organization for more than 16 years before selling the academy in late 2024 and launching [BE A GOLFER](https://beagolfer.golf/home). ## Golf Writing and Media Brendon is also a nationally recognized and prolific golf writer and storyteller. He is the Senior Golf Writer for [Athlon Sports](https://athlonsports.com/author/brendon-elliott) and has written extensively about professional golf, instruction, player development, equipment, golf history and the people shaping the game. His work has also appeared with PGA.com, GolfWRX, PGA Magazine, MyGolfSpy and several other prominent golf media outlets. Through [One More Roll Golf Media](https://onemorerollgolf.com/), Brendon provides editorial content, feature writing, consulting and media services throughout the golf industry. His background as a coach and educator shapes the way he writes, while his work as a writer strengthens the way he coaches. He understands how to explain complicated ideas clearly, ask better questions and connect the technical, strategic and personal sides of golf.

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