Local knowledge fuelling Lexi's bid for Women's Open success

By Ben Parsons at Carnoustie

Lexi Thompson is drawing expertise from a part-time Carnoustie caddie in quest of her first AIG Women’s Open title.

Thompson, 26, is in contention this weekend on five under par after a solid second round of 70 in favourable morning conditions on the famous course.

The American’s regular caddie, Jack Fulgum, suffered in brutal heat at the Tokyo Olympic Games last month and the pair have since parted ways.

She is now benefitting from the know-how of local bagman Paul Drummond.

“It's been great,” Thompson said about her relationship with Drummond. “He knows the golf course like the back of his hand and fully trust him.

“His advice has been very important to all of my shots because he tells me how it's going to bounce in front of the green and how it's going to roll up and where I should land it.

“I'm fully trusting him on his numbers and whether to hit it left or right of the pin and he's been spot on.”

Thompson made five birdies during her second round and is hoping for similarly serene conditions on the Argus coast this weekend.

She continued: “I'm really looking forward to the weekend. This is just a very special place.

“This golf course is amazing and I knew that coming into the week, so I was really looking forward to it and hopefully we get some decent weather coming in Saturday and Sunday."

Drummond, 31, discussed the surreal experience of being paired with such a high-profile star.

He explained: “It came through the caddy master here at Carnoustie.

“He recommended myself then we made contact through WhatsApp the weekend before the tournament.

“I was prepared to maybe get a bag this week, but I didn’t realise it was going to be Lexi Thompson. I’ve not caddied someone with a profile of the likes of Thompson before.”

Drummond works for a car sales business in the area while refining his own golf game.

He has already played a key role in the 11-time LPGA tour winner’s early success in the final major of the year.

When asked where he has helped Thompson the most, he added: “Probably on the greens.

“If you play here that often you know the greens like the back of your hand. I’m doing all the reading and all the yardages so pretty much everything.”