Lexi Thompson, one of the most successful American golfers of her generation, has announced that she will retire from professional golf after completing her 18th US Women's Open later this year.
The 29-year-old made the announcement this week ahead of teeing it up at the major championship at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania. It will bring the curtain down on an illustrious 14-year career that saw her achieve records and accomplishments at the very highest level of the sport.
Thompson turned professional at just 15 years old in 2010, joining the LPGA Tour full-time in 2012. She immediately made an impact, becoming the youngest winner on the LPGA when triumphing at the 2011 Navistar LPGA Classic aged 16. That record has since been broken by New Zealander Lydia Ko.
Her ascendancy continued when she qualified for her first US Women's Open as a 12-year-old in 2007, becoming the youngest player to ever play in the championship. Over the years, Thompson established herself as one of the best big-event players with 19 top-10 finishes in majors, including victory at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship.
Overall, the Florida native amassed 15 professional wins around the world during a stellar career, 11 of which came on the LPGA where she earned over $14 million in prize money from 240 starts. She also competed in the Olympics in 2016 and 2021 and was part of six victorious US Solheim Cup teams.
Thompson's impact goes beyond her success on the course. She has built a huge social media following through her positivity and interactions with fans. The LPGA Commissioner praised her "spirit and dedication" which has inspired girls globally.
Now, after battling some injury and mental health issues recently, the time is right for Lexi Thompson to walk away from competitive golf as one of the sport's all-time greats. She leaves an incredible legacy that may never be matched.
GW My Best Shot: Lexi Thompson
References:
https://www.golfdigest.com/story/lexi-thompson-retirement-us-womens-open-2024
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