Lexi Thompson to retire after 2024 LPGA season

LOS ANGELES – While expressing contentment, Lexi Thompson said on May 28 that 2024 will be her last year as a full-time member of the LPGA Tour.

The 29-year-old is an 11-time LPGA Tour winner – including her lone Major at the 2014 Chevron Championship. She also represented the United States in six Solheim Cups, as well as two Olympic Games.

“Golf has been my life ever since I was five, tournaments when I was seven,” Thompson said from Lancaster Country Club, site of this week’s US Women’s Open.

“I haven’t really known much of a life different, but it’s been an amazing one.

“This sport has taught me a lot, and I’ve learnt so much along the way, built so many friendships and relationships. I’m looking forward to what life has in store next.”

The American will begin her 18th US Women’s Open on May 30.

“On behalf of the LPGA, I want to thank Lexi for her incredible contributions to our Tour and to women’s golf,” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said.

“We wish her all the best in her next chapter, and we, along with the fans, look forward to watching her compete and celebrating her throughout the rest of the season.”

Thompson qualified for the 2007 US Women’s Open at the age of 12, then the youngest ever to accomplish the feat.

She turned professional at age 15 and at 16 became the youngest player to win an LPGA tournament by capturing the 2011 Navistar Classic.

“At my first US Women’s Open... I was trying to get over shaking from being so nervous,” she recalled. “It’s been a blessing. Everything has exceeded my expectations of my career. I’m just so blessed and grateful for every single person and experience that I’ve had along this career.”

Thompson also became the seventh woman to compete on the men’s PGA Tour when she participated in the 2023 Shriners Children’s Open but missed the cut by two strokes.

She is 54th in the world rankings and missed three cuts in a row as she has played through a hand injury.

“I haven’t been playing the golf that I expect myself to, but my hand has been unbelievably better,” she said, when asked if injury was at least part of the reason she decided to retire.

“I’ve actually been able to go out there and swing without pain, which is always nice. I wouldn’t say that has any factor. Of course the results haven’t been what I’ve wanted. It’s just where I’m at in my life.”

Thompson, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 4, did leave the door open to compete at select events in the future.

“I’m taking it day by day right now,” she added.

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

One goal still remaining for Thompson in 2024 is to qualify for the United States Solheim Cup team for the Sept 10-15 event at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia.

“No. 1 is to definitely be on the Solheim Cup team,” she said. “(It’s a) huge honour just to represent my country and play alongside the team there and my captain; definitely that.”

News of Thompson’s impending retirement took the golf world by surprise, with world No. 1 Nelly Korda leading the tributes.

“She’s had such an amazing career,” the 25-year-old said.

“I’ve gotten to be on the team with her a couple times representing our country. I think she does an amazing job for the Tour. She really dedicated her time to growing the game.

“It’s sad to see that she’s obviously leaving and not going to be out here with us any more, but I wish her the best in this new chapter of her life.” REUTERS, AFP