Lexi Thompson Bids Emotional Farewell to Full-time LPGA Career

NAPLES, Fla. – Lexi Thompson reflected on her last full season as a professional LPGA player during the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship. Thompson, currently positioned at 29th with a score of 4-under, commenced her last round from the 10th tee at 8:50 a.m., potentially marking her final appearance at the CME.

Earlier this year at the U.S. Women’s Open, Thompson announced that the 2024 season would be her last as a full-time competitor on the LPGA tour. With limited starts in the future, qualifying for events will become more challenging for her. «Pretty sad when you’re at -4 in the season-ending event, which could easily be the last CME of your career, and you won’t even finish on #18 because they decide to double the tee on the final day due to TV coverage window,» Thompson expressed in an Instagram story. «Bummed I won’t be able to embrace all the incredible fans on 18 tomorrow as I finish. Hopefully, some will be out there on #9.»

The 29-year-old, who has claimed 11 victories on the LPGA circuit, including the 2018 CME title, is set to return to Tiburon Golf Club next month. She is scheduled to participate in the Grant Thornton Invitational alongside Rickie Fowler.

On the final day of the Tour Championship, tears rolled down Thompson’s cheeks as she approached her last hole. Expressing her emotions, she stated, «It was very emotional.» Despite a challenging round where she shot 74, the finality of her career choice dawned on her as she reached No. 9.

Thompson reflected on her career, saying, «I’ve held a lot in… It’s hard. It’s not just me; it’s everybody that goes through a lot of things.» The golfer, noted for her strong presence on the course, admitted, «It’s kind of like the time I’m actually letting myself feel those emotions and actually be real.»

Thompson’s early beginnings in golf were marked by notable achievements, entering the professional realm at just 15 years old. Her career was filled with highs, such as winning the 2014 Chevron Championship, and lows, including a critical four-stroke penalty at the 2017 ANA Inspiration and a disappointing final round at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open.

Despite these setbacks, Thompson is celebrated for her impact on fans and young golfers. «I wanted to leave a bigger impact as a role model, somebody who gave back to the game, somebody who made an impact on little girls and boys,» she stated.

Joining Thompson in stepping back from the full-time tour are fellow golfers Marina Alex and Ally Ewing. Thompson remains open to future competitions and plans to participate in the Grant Thornton Invitational. «I will take a few days off… and give my mind a reset,» she said. «I’m sure I’ll be right back into it at the end of this week.»