The US Open Tournament: Should Alexis Thompson Be Allowed to Compete?

The debate about whether or not twelve-year-old Alexis Thompson should be allowed to compete in the US Open Tournament has started to heat up around the nation.

This pre-teen golf sensation is the youngest player to ever qualify for the U.S. Women's Open, but failed to make the cut. However, she has woman countless other junior golf tournaments and now folks around the country are debating on whether or not this golf prodigy should be allowed to compete in the US Open Tournament.

Supporters argue that age should make no difference in this sporting event as long as the player is ready. Thompson has been playing since age 5 and has made remarkable progress in this short time. Supporters also believe that her performance will speak for itself in terms of whether or not she is qualified to be playing with some of golf's best middle-aged men. Many people around the nation believe that skill should be the only entrance requirement for the US Open - something Thompson has plenty of!

Those who are against thrusting Alexis Thompson into the sports spotlight cite stars, such as Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan, which prove the disastrous effects that can result from early stardom. Many believe Thompson has no business on a pro tour with mostly adult men for the mere fact that it could have devastating results for the young girl. Others believe that despite her talent the pre-teen should continue competing on the amateur level until she gains a little more life experience.

The issue of maturity comes up for both supporters and opposers. Can a twelve-year-old girl really handle the stress of a pro golf tournament? Even with all the skill in the world the situation could have adverse effects on anyone.

So, the question remains: Is it wrong to place Alexis Thompson into golf's biggest pro tournament? Well, that really depends on your point of view.

Alexis was raised in a Florida family whose favorite hobby is- you guessed it- golfing. She trains seven hours a day and attends school in a correspondence format. She believes that she is still a normal teenage girl despite her success in golfing. Her favorite activities include shopping, chatting online with friends, and swimming.

Although she has already missed the cut for the US Women's Open 2007, she shows no signs of slowing down her golfing career. You can expect to hear from Alexis Thompson again as she continues to make golf headlines and stir up a intense debate between American's.