Earlier this year, the golfing world was stunned when Lexi Thompson announced her plans to retire from a full professional golf schedule by the end of 2024. The news marked the end of an illustrious career that began when she was just 12 years old, competing in the U.S. Women’s Open.
Now, the time has come, and it seems that Lexi Thompson’s farewell tour will culminate at the AIG Women’s Open. This week, she will tee off at the legendary St Andrews’ Old Course, potentially for the last time in a major championship.
A Final Bow for Lexi Thompson at St Andrews
The AIG Women’s Open, set to take place at the iconic St Andrews’ Old Course, is a fitting stage for Lexi Thompson’s potential swan song. As one of the most recognized names in women’s golf, Lexi Thompson has graced the sport with her presence for nearly two decades, securing her place in the annals of golf history.
This week, as she steps onto the storied greens of St Andrews, it will be with the knowledge that this could be her final appearance at a major championship.
Lexi Thompson’s decision to retire from a full professional golf schedule was announced back in May, with the 29-year-old stating that she was ready to move on to the next chapter of her life.
Despite a few struggles earlier this season, including missing the cut in five out of seven tournaments, Thompson has shown resilience, bouncing back with strong performances in the Meijer LPGA Classic and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. But even with this resurgence, she remains firm in her decision to step away.
“I’m very content with my decision to retire,” Thompson said during the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. “Golf is a crazy game, so I’m not going to look too far ahead. Just taking it one day at a time and see where it takes me.”
As she prepares to compete in the AIG Women’s Open, Thompson is acutely aware of the significance of this moment. Not only does she have the chance to improve on her best finish of eighth at this event, but she could also walk away with the ultimate parting gift—a second major championship title.
The reality that this could be Lexi Thompson’s last major is poignant for her fans and for the sport as a whole. Thompson, who has been a fixture on the LPGA Tour since she was a teenager, has become known for her incredible talent and her perseverance through the highs and lows of professional golf.
With her retirement looming, the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews may well be the last time the golf world sees Thompson compete at the highest level.
Yet, there’s a silver lining for her fans. While Lexi Thompson has decided to step away from a full-time professional schedule, this may not be the last time we see her in a major championship. Thanks to her victory at the 2014 Chevron Championship (formerly known as the Kraft Nabisco Championship), Thompson holds a lifetime exemption to participate in that tournament.
This prestigious exemption means that even after retiring from the grind of the tour, she could still return to compete in the Chevron Championship whenever she chooses.
“It’s comforting to know that I’ll always have that connection to the game,” Thompson remarked. “Winning the Chevron Championship was one of the highlights of my career, and having that lifetime exemption is something I’m incredibly grateful for.”
Lexi Thompson’s career is a testament to her dedication and resilience. From her early days as a child prodigy to becoming one of the most successful and beloved figures in women’s golf, Thompson’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Her list of accomplishments includes one major championship win, numerous top-10 finishes, and an indelible impact on the sport.
Despite the inevitable melancholy that comes with her retirement, Thompson’s decision to “leave on a high” is emblematic of her approach to the game—graceful, determined, and always looking forward. Whether or not she claims another major title at the AIG Women’s Open, her legacy is secure.
As Lexi Thompson walks the fairways of St Andrews, possibly for the last time as a major competitor, it will be with the knowledge that she has left an indelible mark on the game she loves. And while this week may mark the end of an era, her lifetime exemption at the Chevron Championship ensures that her story in golf is not yet completely written.
For fans and the golfing community, the AIG Women’s Open is more than just another tournament—it’s a chance to celebrate Lexi Thompson, one of the sport’s true greats, as she embarks on the next chapter of her life, leaving the game on her own terms, and undoubtedly, leaving on a high.