Can the right caddie transform a golfer’s mental game? In a sport where millimeters can separate triumph from disaster, having the perfect voice in your ear might be as crucial as having the perfect swing. The relationship between player and caddie often goes beyond simply carrying clubs and reading greens—it can become the foundation for a player’s mental resilience, especially when faced with challenging moments on the course.
This delicate balance becomes even more intriguing when family dynamics enter the picture. When siblings join forces inside the ropes, the results can be unpredictable—either a recipe for disaster or the secret ingredient for success. For Lexi Thompson, it’s clearly the latter, as her brother Curtis has become her secret weapon at the Chevron Championship.
“I definitely do [move on from bad shots faster] with my brother Curtis on the bag. We have a bit more fun out there,” Thompson revealed during her post-round press conference of the Chevron Championship on Saturday. This simple statement speaks volumes about the transformation in Thompson’s approach to the mental side of her game—an aspect that has often been cited as her biggest challenge throughout her career.
When asked specifically about Curtis’s impact during difficult moments on the course, Thompson elaborated on their dynamic. “When is he not cracking jokes is the better question. He’s just a riot. He’s the personality of the family,” she said with a smile. This lighthearted approach has proven to be precisely what Thompson needs, especially when facing adversity on the course.
The evidence of Curtis’s positive influence was clear during Thompson’s tournament turnaround. After struggling with a 73 (+1) in Thursday’s opening round, Thompson rebounded with back-to-back strong performances. Her Saturday round began with consecutive bogeys, but she quickly recovered.
“I got off to a little bit of a rocky start today with two bogeys in the first two holes but just tried to stay patient,” Thompson explained. “Curtis was by my side being positive with me. That was a huge help,” she acknowledged. With her brother’s support, she rallied to card three birdies on the front nine and added three more on the back.
This caddie-player relationship isn’t just about emotional support—it’s translating to tangible results. Thompson has been leading the field in greens in regulation, a statistic that even caught her by surprise. “Well, I didn’t know that,” she responded when informed by reporters, before crediting her ability to move past difficult shots quickly. “Even when things get a little rocky, he’s there to pick me up and make a joke. Then it’s like, all right, my mind is off the bad shot. That’s what I need,” Thompson added, highlighting how Curtis helps reset her mindset after challenging moments on the course.
As valuable as Curtis’s jokes and positive reinforcement have been for navigating foul shots, they may prove equally crucial for dealing with another challenge this week—the unpredictable Texas weather.
Weather delays testing players’ mental resilience at the Chevron Championship
The mental fortitude fostered by the Thompson siblings has been particularly valuable this week as weather disruptions have created additional challenges. The 2025 Chevron Championship has experienced significant weather-related interruptions, with multiple suspensions of play due to lightning and heavy rainfall.
Thursday’s opening round saw play halted with eight groups unable to finish, forcing them to complete their rounds on Friday morning. The second round was then suspended due to darkness at 8:04 p.m., resulting in a compressed schedule that tested players’ adaptability and mental stamina.
The course at Carlton Woods has been playing longer than usual due to the wet conditions, with Thompson noting, “This is not the easiest of golf courses, and with the rain it’s playing long.” Being able to quickly reset mentally after delays, much like recovering from a foul shot, has become crucial for maintaining momentum in this year’s first major.
The sibling partnership between Lexi and Curtis Thompson offers a fascinating glimpse into how the right caddie relationship can transform a player’s mental approach to the game. As Thompson continues her quest for another major championship, having her brother’s positive influence and timely humor by her side could be the difference-maker in navigating both foul shots and unpredictable weather conditions.
Will the Thompson sibling dynamic lead to major success? The final round awaits.
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