12-year-old Thompson playing like she belongs with the big girls at Women's U.S. Open

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – Saw a cute moment walking by the first tee this morning at the Women’s U.S. Open…

12-year-old Alexis Thompson’s group was teeing off the first at Pine Needles. She went last. As her other two playing partners Angela Jerman and Amy Yang were announced, she clapped for them along with the crowd - with a big cheesy smile.

Of course, Jerman and Yang didn’t clap for each other or for Thompson when she stepped up - being the tough, focused pro veterans they are and all..

Thompson blasted a drive right out there with the big girls and is hanging in there: 9-over for the tournament and should be around the cut line if she can finish well this afternoon.

Yesterday she had two birdies and has not recorded anything higher than a bogey all tournament…