Lexi Thompson has revealed when she’ll retire from professional golf completely
Lexi Thompson has revealed when she’ll retire from professional golf completely
Lexi Thompson, the youngest golfer ever to qualify and play in the U.S. Women’s Open, revealed the point at which she will no longer play professional golf.
Back in May this year, the golfing world was shocked by the announcement that Lexi Thompson was retiring from full-time professional golf before the age of 30.
Thompson burst onto the golf scene at just 12 years old, becoming the youngest qualifier in the history of the US Women’s Open in 2007. This early achievement marked the beginning of a remarkable career that saw her turn professional in 2010. After impressive performances at the Women’s Australian Open and the Kraft Nabisco Championship, at age sixteen Thompson petitioned the LPGA to allow her into qualifying school and waive the rule that entrants must be at least eighteen years old. She also made waves on the international stage as an undefeated member of the United States team in the Curtis Cup.
Lexi Thompson made her debut at the US Open in 2007 at the age of 12.
In 2011, Thompson made history again by becoming the youngest-ever winner on the LPGA Tour, clinching the Navistar LPGA Classic at just 16 years old. That same year, she secured her first victory on the Ladies European Tour at the Dubai Ladies Masters, further establishing herself as a rising star in women’s golf.
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Throughout her career, Thompson has amassed 11 LPGA Tour victories, including a major championship win at the Kraft Nabisco (now called the Chevron Championship) in 2014. Known for her powerful driving and competitive spirit, she has consistently been a top contender in the world of women’s golf, representing the United States in multiple Solheim Cups and earning numerous other accolades.
However, her career has not been without challenges. In recent years, Thompson has struggled with a persistent wrist injury and mental health issues, which she has openly discussed. Despite these difficulties, she continued to compete at a high level, but in 2024, she announced her decision to retire at the end of the LPGA Tour season, citing her health and emotional well-being.
Lexi Thompson first major win in 2014 at the Kraft Nabisco Championship.
Speaking to the media ahead of the 2024 AIG Women’s Open Championship at St Andrews, not long after Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko addressed her own retirement rumors, it was clear that the decision to take a step back from full-time professional golf was the right one for her.
“I think overall there is a little less weight on my shoulders after the announcement because it has been on my mind for a few years, so it’s something that’s been inside that nobody really knew about or what was going to happen.
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“But all of us players, we have our own battles. Everybody does. Everybody has their things they go through and how they deal with them. But everybody deserves to do whatever makes them the happiest.”
Lexi Thompson after winning the 2015 Solheim Cup
Thompson also spoke about the desire to represent her country at the Solheim Cup in Virginia next month. As things stand, she either needs to qualify via points earned or be one of Stacy Lewis’ ‘Captain’s Picks’.
“Anytime I can represent my country, it’s my No. 1 goal to be on this team. That’s nothing like it. I feel like it brings out an energy and talent from all of us players that fans don’t see every week. I think they really enjoy it. You’re not only playing for yourself. Golf is such an individual sport. We get the opportunity to bring 12 girls together, build those friendships and relationships, play under our captain that we look up to. It’s something different. It’s special.”
