Many arrive in courtesy Cadillacs. Others behind the wheel of their RV motorhomes. Some (the especially well-heeled) by helicopter. And one certain golfer-in-chief, by Air Force One. Lexi Thompson decided to take a far more exotic route to the first tee for her pro-am round on the eve of the US LPGA Tour’s Kingsmill Championship. The world number five ranked women’s golfer completed her first parachute jump to launch a new charitable partnership with the SEAL Legacy Foundation.
The world number five ranked women’s golfer completed her first parachute jump to launch a new charitable partnership with the SEAL Legacy Foundation.
As the Tour later reported, “Prior to her scheduled tee-off, her golf bag and caddie were on the first tee but there was no sign of Thompson, giving her pro-am partners and the watching fans cause for concern. Moments later, though, the 22-year-old American, who is the top-ranked American in the Rolex Rankings, arrived via her sky dive along with three other Navy SEALs, who also parachuted down, and a Red Bull sky diver, who captured video footage of the descent.”
The seven-time Tour winner later said, “A dream come true is all I can say! Not only did I get to skydive, but I got to jump with Navy SEALs, who are the most elite members of our military. We all get to compete each week on the LPGA Tour because of the sacrifices of the SEALs and their families, so giving back is the least I can do.”
Thompson always wears pink clothing on Saturdays during tournament play to reflect her long-time support of Women's Breast Cancer, and now she will also be wearing blue camouflage on Sundays to reflect her support of the SEAL Legacy Foundation.
Wednesday's parachute jump ticked off a bucket list item for Thompson, who had long yearned to go skydiving, and it was another special highlight for her during a year that also featured a visit to the Navy SEAL training base in Coronado outside San Diego.
In March, Thompson was given a private tour of the base, which was arranged by Commander Mark McGinnis, a Navy SEAL for 21 years who is the managing director of the SEAL Legacy Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing support to families of wounded and fallen U.S. Navy SEALs.
Lexi’s Legacy Challenge will continue through November 11 (Veterans Day) with the goal of raising funds and awareness in support of the Foundation. Through the campaign, Thompson will wear a commemorative SEAL Legacy Foundation Pin during competition. Donors of $25 or more will receive the same pin.
“I am excited about the Legacy Challenge and hope to help raise money for SEALs and their families, but also to help raise awareness for all of those that have selflessly served in all branches of the US military,” said Thompson.