Lexi Thompson to end illustrious career at the end of 2024

Lexi Thompson, a prominent figure in women’s golf and a prodigious talent who turned professional at the age of 15, has announced her decision to retire from full-time competition at the end of the 2024 season. The news, announced by the USGA on Tuesday ahead of her 18th appearance at the U.S. Women’s Open, marks the end of an era for the 29-year-old, who has been a staple on the LPGA Tour for more than a decade.

Lexi Thompson: A Prodigious Start and Illustrious Career

Lexi Thompson’s journey in golf began at a remarkably young age. In 2007, at the age of 12, she became the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open, a record that was later broken but remains a testament to her early talent.

She turned professional in 2010 at the age of 15 and quickly made a name for herself by becoming the youngest winner in LPGA history at the 2011 Navistar LPGA Classic at the age of 16. That record was later surpassed by Lydia Ko, but it cemented Lexi Thompson’s reputation as a golfing prodigy.

Thompson’s career has been marked by significant accomplishments. She has won 15 tournaments worldwide, including 11 on the LPGA Tour. Her crowning achievement came in 2014 when she won the Kraft Nabisco Championship, becoming the second-youngest major winner in women’s history at age 19.

Although this was her only major victory, Lexi Thompson has consistently competed at the highest level, amassing 19 top-10 finishes in majors, including eight top-three finishes. She also made history by becoming the seventh woman to play in a PGA Tour event, nearly making the cut at the Shriners Children’s Open last fall.

A Story of Perseverance and Success

Lexi Thompson‘s journey through the world of professional golf has been one of perseverance and consistent excellence. From the start, she has been a symbol of youthful promise realized on the world stage.

Throughout her career, Lexi Thompson has made more than 240 starts on the LPGA Tour, earning more than $14 million in prize money. Her victories are numerous, but it’s her resilience and character that have defined her career.

Lexi Thompson has also been a stalwart in team competition, representing the United States in six Solheim Cups and compiling a 9-7-7 record in 23 matches. Her participation in the 2016 and 2021 Summer Olympics further underscores her status as one of the sport’s top competitors.

However, her career has not been without its challenges. In 2017, she faced a controversial four-shot penalty at the Chevron Championship, which significantly affected her performance. Despite these setbacks, Thompson has remained a beloved figure in the sport, known for her graciousness and dedication to her fans.

Transitioning from the Spotlight

The announcement of Lexi Thompson’s retirement from full-time professional golf has sent ripples through the golfing community. In an emotional press conference, Thompson, fighting back tears, shared her reasons for stepping away from the sport.

“Being out here can be a lot. It can be lonely. Sorry if I get emotional. I said I wasn’t going to,” she said. “A lot of people — they don’t realize a lot of what we go through as a professional athlete. I’ll be the last one to say, like, ‘Throw me a pity party.’ That’s the last thing I want.”

“We’re doing what we love,” she added. “We’re trying our best every single day. You know, we’re not perfect. We’re humans. Words hurt. It’s hard to overcome sometimes, but having people around you that love you and support you, I feel like that’s been the biggest thing for me.”

Lexi Thompson has been open about her struggles with mental health, a topic she revisited during her announcement. In 2018, she withdrew from the AIG Women’s Open, citing emotional and mental exhaustion. This period of introspection led to a brief hiatus from the LPGA Tour, after which she returned to win the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship and the 2019 ShopRite LPGA Classic. Despite these comebacks, the pressures of professional golf have weighed heavily on her.

Lexi Thompson’s decision to retire was not made lightly. She has been contemplating it for several months, and it reflects a deep need for a change in her life.

“I feel like I’m at a point in my life where it is time to step away from a full-time schedule,” she said. “There are more things in life than going to a tournament every week and doing the same training every day. There’s just more to it, and I’m looking forward to experiencing that. I feel very content with where my life is and where this decision will lead me. I’m just looking forward to what life has in store other than golf.”

Thompson’s press conference was a poignant reflection of her career and the challenges she has faced. She spoke about the harsh realities of professional sports, particularly the scrutiny and criticism from social media.

“Unfortunately, in golf, you lose more than you win, so it’s an ongoing battle to continue to put yourself out there in front of the cameras and continuing to work hard and maybe not seeing the results you want and getting criticized for it, so it’s hard,” she explained.

“I will say, yes, I’ve struggled with [mental health]. I don’t think there’s somebody out here that hasn’t. It’s just a matter of how well you hide it, which is very sad.”

Despite stepping away from full-time competition, Thompson has not ruled out playing in select events.

“I’m taking it day by day right now. I’m not going to say yes or no on how many events I’ll play or if I do,” she mentioned. “I’m just going to take it day by day and see how I feel, especially going into next year. But I’m very content with this being my last full-time schedule year.”

This approach leaves the door open for Thompson to remain connected to the sport she loves, even as she transitions to a new phase in her life.

Thompson’s impact on golf extends far beyond her victories. She has been a role model for young girls, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with determination and passion. LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan praised Thompson, saying:

“While these achievements are remarkable in and of themselves, 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.”

“She is beloved by fans, consistently seen signing autographs and interacting with them no matter the result that day. … Lexi’s remarkable career and the way she has conducted herself both on and off the course have inspired countless girls around the world to pursue their goals with passion and perseverance.”

Lexi Thompson’s announcement has undoubtedly marked the end of a significant chapter in her life and in the world of golf. Her career, marked by early successes, major victories, and a steadfast commitment to the sport, has left an indelible mark on the LPGA Tour.

As she steps back from the rigorous demands of professional golf, Thompson looks forward to new opportunities and experiences outside the world of competitive sports. Her legacy, however, will continue to inspire and resonate within the golfing community for years to come. 

As Lexi Thompson embarks on this new chapter, she leaves behind a legacy of resilience, grace, and an unwavering dedication to her sport and her fans.