Golf Star Lexi Thompson Announces Retirement at 29 After 14 Years of Professional Play
ICARO Media Group
In a surprising turn of events, renowned golfer Lexi Thompson has made the decision to retire from professional golf at the age of 29. Thompson, a powerhouse on the LPGA Tour with 11 victories to her name, will conclude her illustrious career at the end of the 2024 season.
Thompson, who joined the professional circuit at the tender age of 15, made history as the youngest woman to secure an LPGA tournament win when she triumphed at the age of 16. However, recent performances have not been up to par, with Thompson missing the cut in three tournaments leading up to her retirement announcement and four out of six tournaments this season.
Reflecting on her decision, Thompson shared, "Golf has been my life ever since I was 5 years old, tournaments when I was 7. I haven't really known much of a life different, but it's been an amazing one." She expressed gratitude for the sport, highlighting the valuable lessons learned and the friendships forged throughout her journey. Thompson expressed excitement for the future and what life has in store for her outside of golf.
Although Thompson enjoyed early success in her career, her last LPGA victory dates back to 2019. While she clinched two wins on the Ladies European Tour during that period, the 29-year-old has not emerged victorious since 2022. In recent years, Thompson's performance at major tournaments has also seen a decline, with her missing the cut in five out of the last six majors she participated in.
Notably, Thompson gained accolades as a prodigious talent in her youth. At the age of 12, she became the youngest golfer ever to qualify for the U.S. Open in 2017, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Additionally, Thompson secured her first major victory on the tour at the age of 19, making her the second-youngest woman to achieve such a feat at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship, now known as the Chevron Championship.
Venturing beyond the LPGA Tour, Thompson made history in 2023 as the seventh woman to compete in a men's PGA Tour event when she participated in the Shriners Children's Open. Though she narrowly missed the cut by two strokes, her presence served as a testament to her exceptional abilities and determination.
As Thompson looks toward the future, she remains uncertain about the number of events she will participate in before officially hanging up her golf clubs. She intends to take things one day at a time and assess how she feels, particularly in the upcoming year. Nevertheless, Thompson expresses contentment with the 2024 season being her final full-time schedule.
Lexi Thompson leaves a powerful legacy on the golfing world, with her skill, passion, and incredible achievements inspiring generations of aspiring golfers. Her retirement announcement has stunned the sports community, leaving fans eagerly awaiting her final performances before bidding farewell to a truly exceptional career.