The WM Phoenix Open is considered the best place to enjoy golf and party. But apart from the crazy fans’ encounter, cheering and partying. Some instances can be heart-touching, as Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler have proven with their gesture. Both the golfers have showcased their kind hearts earlier in multiple instances. To start off this year, Fowler was seen in support of the Maui community after the wildfire caused damage of $5 billion and killed 100 people.

In collaboration with Puma, he raised awareness and funds to support the ongoing healing and rebuilding. Even he was part of the Moore School to promote golf, where he interacted with several kids. On the other hand, Thomas is also seen helping youngsters. Earlier Thomas helped viral mini golf tour player, Mike Visacki, with an undisclosed amount cheque to help him with his dream. He said, “You’re chasing and doing everything you can and I want to help you with something from me.”

Hence, adding to that, this year too, at the Phoenix Open, there was a special guest who was seen playing in place of Thomas and Fowler at the event. The 16-year-old Lulu Gribbin joined the golfers inside the rope and inspired the entire golf world with her courage. Sharing her story, last year, in 2024, she was attacked by a shark in Seacrest, for which she had undergone multiple surgeries and inpatient therapy for 3 months.

Now with Lulu being part of the event, the PGA Tour has shared a post on Instagram with the two golfers interacting and playing with the 16-year-old. The post captioned, “After a life-threatening shark attack last summer, 16-year-old Lulu Gribbin returned to the golf course as she joined @JustinThomas34 and @RickieFowler inside the ropes @WMPhoenixOpen.”

In the video, Thomas was seen sharing the message of a speedy recovery with the youngster and shared a moment of playing golf together. Further in the video, she was at the course of Phoenix Open. Walking with the golfer, Lulu suggested, “You should make a hole-in-one on the 16th and make everybody throw their drinks.” Replying to which, Thomas said, “I should.” Further, he even said how he did that earlier when fans were throwing drinks.

After the conversation, Thomas even invited the young golf enthusiast to putt in place of him. Without disappointing, Gribbin made the cleanest ball roll for the professional to the hole. Further, the golfer even praised her by saying, “You’re affecting and inspiring more people than you realize.” Which indeed she truly does with her positive attitude and always smiling face.

Additionally, Rickie Fowler also spent time with Lulu at the course. Fowler interacted with her and introduced her to the fellow. Even he insisted on playing a hole for him. After the successful putt, he offered the ball to her and praised her for her shots. Lulu, for her experience, shared, “This has been an experience of a lifetime.”

For her, golf has helped her tremendously as she shared in the video.

‘Helped me to be like, myself’ – Lulu Gribbin

The entire golf world praises and honors the brave-hearted girl. In the video shared by the PGA Tour, she shared about the accident and journey with golf. She shared, “I’ve turned to golf because it’s just helped me to be like, myself.” The journey showcases her bravery, even Thomas said, “There’s not very many kids her age that’d be as positive.”

Lulu, who earlier played basketball, volleyball, and golf. Now she has shifted to golf and showed a great game at TPC Scottsdale. Praising her skills, Thomas, after her putt, said, “That was one of the best rolls this putter’s seen in a while.” Even Fowler has also praised her swing, saying, “Good swing.”

Not only the golfers, but even when Lulu’s name as a special guest was announced, the electrifying energy to honor the kid from the audience stand could also be seen. Even that brought a smile to the face of Lulu Gribbin. Now that is what the People’s Open or the Phoenix Open is. What are your thoughts on the noble gesture of the golfers and fans? Share with us in the comments!