Another American Phenom

With Tiger Woods coming off a massively exciting close to the 2011 season and apparently primed to get back to his title-winning ways in 2012, golf is back in the news in a big way on U.S. soil.

However, it looks like Woods will have to make room in the golfing universe for the most recent phenom to make waves in the sport that Woods made popular worldwide.

American teenager Lexi Thompson is quickly making a name for herself – and if the remainder of her career is anything like the blistering start she’s gotten off to – then Woods will likely also have some company when he hits the Hall of Fame in oh, three decades or so.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Thompson made golfing history when she became the youngest winner on both the LPGA and Ladies European Tours.

That’s right golf fans, the 16-year-old Thompson is clearly the ‘real deal’ after winning both, the Dubai Ladies Masters earlier this month  and the Navistar LPGA Classic in September. The youngster who hails from Coral Springs, Florida, is the youngest winner of an LPGA Tournament and second youngest to ever win a tourney on the European Tour.

Young phenom or not, Thompson is taking all of her success in stride –and even says she feels ‘honored’ to be able to play professionally (you hear that NBA ballers).

"There's not really any pressure," Thompson told reporters following her win in Dubai. "I'm just playing the game and doing what I love. Playing every week in these tournaments is an honor for me, so I'm just coming out and relaxing and doing my best."