Lexi Thompson, a true golfing great, is retiring from active sport. The 29-year-old collected eleven LPGA Tour victories in 17 years, one Major title, took part in the Olympics twice and was a member of the US Solheim Cup team six times. She has also shown great commitment to the development of the LPGA Tour. There is hardly any way around Lexi Thompson.
Her journey to becoming one of the most famous female golfers began when she became the youngest ever participant in a US Women’s Open at the age of twelve. This week marks her 18th and final appearance at the championship. Always with her: ladybug earrings, which accompanied her on her first participation.
Lexi Thompson: One last year on the LPGA Tour
On Tuesday morning, Lexi Thompson announced that this will be her final year on the LPGA Tour as she plans to retire from professional golf at the end of the 2024 season. The 2024 Solheim Cup will be a fitting end to her 18-year career. At the 2024 US Women’s Open, Thompson, who has always avoided questions about her setbacks, spoke for the first time about the darker side of a golf career: “I just think, especially with what’s happened in golf, as of recently, too, a lot of people don’t realize what we go through as a professional athlete. I’ll be the last one to say, throw me a pity party. That’s the last thing I want. We’re doing what we love. We’re trying the best every single day. You know, we’re not perfect. We’re humans.”
In a video on Instagram, in which she looks back on her career in a total of over three minutes, Lexi Thompson explains: “Although this has been an amazing journey, it hasn’t always been an easy one. Since I was 12 years old, my life as a golfer has been a whirlwind of constant attention, scrutiny and pressure. The cameras are always on, capturing every swing and every moment on and off the golf course. Social media never sleeps, with comments and criticisms flowing in from around the world. It can be exhausting to maintain a smile on the outside while grappling with struggles on the inside.”
Commitment beyond sport
Lexi Thompson also made a name for herself in the golf world beyond her sporting achievements. She always made time for all her fans who asked for her autograph and signed balls, shirts and caps, even in tears after bitter defeats. Her mother gave her love and respect from an early age. She often told her that it was almost her duty to make at least one person’s day better every time she left the house. And that has driven Thompson throughout her career.
LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan also points to her strong commitment to women in golf in general and the LPGA Tour in particular. “Lexi’s impact extends far beyond the golf course. She embodies the spirit and dedication of our Founders – always showing up and engaging intentionally to help further the growth and impact of the LPGA,” he said. “She is beloved by fans, consistently seen signing autographs and interacting with them no matter the result that day. Lexi’s commitment to our partners has also been unparalleled. Throughout her career, she has continually made time to engage with partners, their employees and their clients, and truly has valued their tremendous support of women’s golf.”
“I wanted them to follow their dreams”
The US-American also made it her goal to inspire people. For example, it was particularly important to her to compete in the Shriners Children’s Open last year as only the seventh woman ever to compete on the PGA Tour: “It’s been something I grew up doing with my brothers and have wanted to do, but to also send a message out to the Shriners kids that no dream is too small, and they can go after what they want and follow their dreams,” said Thompson in her pre-tournament press conference at the Shriners Children’s Open. “If I can leave here inspiring others, and especially the kids, the Shriners kids, that’s what it’s all about and what this tournament is. There is more than just playing golf.”
Whether and, if so, how often we will encounter Thompson on the golf course remains to be seen in the coming years.