Lexi Thompson will retire from the LPGA Tour at the end of the 2024 season!

After the 2024 LPGA Tour, Lexi Thompson – a leading personality in women’s golf who turned pro at age fifteen – declared her retirement. This move signifies that she concludes her impressive career journey.

Thompson spoke at a press conference in Lancaster Country Club, where she discussed her career and decision to retire. She stated that golf had been the focus of her life since she was 5, but overall, it had been an incredible journey. Looking ahead, Thompson eagerly awaits what comes next in life.

Having gained recognition as a teen, Thompson has been an influential player in women’s golf and will soon be 30. At age 16, she accomplished the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest winner of an LPGA event by ultimately clinching victory at the Navistar Classic in 2011. 

Throughout her career on tour, she earned triumphs totalling eleven LPGA titles, notably winning the Kraft Nabisco Championship In 2014, which remains her single major success to date.

Her retirement was motivated by a longing to venture into other aspects of life aside from golf. “Doing the same training every day and attending tournaments weekly isn’t all there is in life,” she declared, adding that her contentment with her current position gives her assurance about where this choice will take her.”

Throughout her career, Thompson has had notable successes and heart-wrenching close calls. She boasts eight top-3 finishes in majors and endured setbacks such as a controversial penalty at the 2017 ANA Inspiration and missing out on the LPGA season-ending title that same year due to a missed putt.

Despite facing challenges, Thompson has remained a constant in the upper echelons of women’s golf and has proudly represented her country at six Solheim Cup events and two Olympic Games. Nelly Korda, the top-ranked player globally, praised her incredible career and regretted that she would no longer be joining them on tour. However, she wished her luck on this new journey.

Thompson encountered obstacles in the past years, such as physical injuries and challenges with her mental health. In pursuit of self-care, she temporarily withdrew from golf in 2018 while championing awareness for mental well-being causes.

Reflecting on the support she has received, Thompson became emotional. “A lot of people don’t realize a lot of what we go through as a professional athlete,” she said, wiping away tears. “But having the people around you that love you and support you, that’s been the biggest thing for me.”

LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan praised Thompson’s contributions to the sport. “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,” Samaan said.

As Lexi Thompson prepares to leave the LPGA Tour, she remains a beloved figure in the sport, admired for her resilience, talent, and dedication. Her impact on women’s golf and her legacy will inspire future generations.