On May 28, Lexi Thompson—usually an embodiment of calm, cool, and collected—broke down in tears. A 17-year relationship in which she put her heart, sweat, and tears to an end. But the breakup wasn’t abrupt. Over the years, the 29-year-old had often fantasized about a life where she wouldn’t to be on the road for 25 weeks a year. When she embarked on the journey of professional golfing at the age of 12—the second youngest debutant behind Lucy Li at 11—she didn’t realize the very thing she loved would threaten her sanity and existence.
So yes, she broke down in tears. Not only because she was sad, but because sometimes she felt like she was barely holding on. Thompson explained her situation at a press conference at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open (the same place her career started), and one of the words that stuck with me was “lonely.” “Being out here, it can be a lot. It can be lonely. Sorry if I get emotional,” she apologized—as if an involuntary response to the silent critics waiting to judge her.
In an Instagram video, she further detailed the constant pressure, and said, “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. Social media never sleeps, with comments and criticisms flooding in from around the world. It can be exhausting to maintain a smile on the outside while grappling with struggles on the inside,” inspiring not just her colleagues but the future generations too.
And one of them recently showed up in person to support to what is the veteran golfer’s final LPGA Tour season. Thompson shared a story on her Instagram handle, sharing a picture of herself standing alongside her friend and young golfer, Nora Otero. “Best surprise getting to see @noragolfs today at the @nwachampionship,” wrote Thompson as she added, “She’s the best!”
This is not the first time that the two have been spotted on the golf course together. So, calling them “friends” wouldn’t be too much of a stretch either. Little Nora was one of the many who expressed their sadness when her idol announced her retirement. In a post dated May 29, the young girl wrote, “My #BiggestInfluence and my #Friend announced that she is retiring at the end of the 2024 season,” before adding, “While I am sad, I am also so grateful for the many times she made me feel like the most important girl in the world.”
Otero then added how the LPGA Tour Pro inspired her to love the game of golf before divulging her plans to see her in Arkansas for the tournament. “We are going to try and see you in Arkansas and give you a big hug!” added the youngster, “I will always think of you as one of my best friends and will always be cheering you on. I hope to see you soon and congratulations – I know it was not an easy decision.”
The golfer seemed to be referring to the Kroger Queen City Championship pres. by P&G in Cincinnati, and the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship pres. by P&G in Arkansas. And she kept her promise as Lexi Thompson teed off in the two while finishing T19 in the former and carding a 3-under on the first round at the event in Arkansas. Apart from the same, she also hinted at taking part in the ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge and the CME Group Tour Championship.
