In a shock announcement, Lexi Thompson stated she’ll step away from a full-time LPGA Tour taking part in schedule on the finish of the season.
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A shock storyline was added to this week’s U.S. Women’s Open when one of many largest names within the sport, Lexi Thompson, introduced her pending retirement from the LPGA Tour.
The LPGA was the primary to break the information on Tuesday morning, and Thompson posted a message to her Instagram about an hour later.
Thompson, 29, stated she’ll step away from a full-time LPGA schedule on the finish of 2024. She’s received 11 instances in her LPGA profession — together with the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship (now the Chevron Championship) for her solely main title — however hasn’t received since 2019. Still, she’s remained one of many recreation’s hottest and marketable gamers since she stormed onto the scene as a teen.
Lexi Thompson, 29, broadcasts beautiful retirement plans
Sean Zak
Thompson captioned her Tuesday Instagram put up as a “letter I wrote to the game of golf.” She spoke for about 3 minutes, 40 seconds as a collage of images from her profession flickered throughout the display screen.
“Golf, what can I say after all these years?” Thompson started. “You have performed such an necessary function for almost all of my life. You welcomed me into your world at such a younger age, and for that I’m eternally grateful.
“Though our relationship has been complicated at times, you taught me resilience, patience and the power of perseverance,” she continued. “You showed me the highs and lows of competing. The thrill of victory and lessons learned in defeat. I’m so grateful to you for all the amazing moments and memories you have given me.”
Thompson talked about the joys of qualifying for her first U.S. Women’s Open at age 12 and her first LPGA win at age 16. She stated her main win was the proudest second of her profession, and she stated she’ll always remember what it felt like competing towards the lads on the 2023 Shriners Children’s Open.
She spoke in regards to the pleasure she felt representing her nation on the Solheim Cup and Olympics, however she was additionally open and sincere in regards to the tough elements of the skilled recreation and the stress she felt.
“Although this has been an amazing journey, it hasn’t always been an easy one,” she stated. “Since I was 12 years old, my life as a golfer has been a whirlwind of constant attention, scrutiny and pressure. The cameras are always on, capturing every swing and every moment on and off the golf course. Social media never sleeps, with comments and criticisms flowing in from around the world. It can be exhausting to maintain a smile on the outside while grappling with struggles on the inside.”
Thompson additionally thanked followers, buddies, household, the LPGA Tour, her sponsors and extra. She stated she’s wanting ahead to the following chapter, which implies extra time together with her buddies, household and, in fact, for herself.
“While it is never easy to say goodbye,” she concluded, “it is indeed time.”
You can hear to her full message beneath. Thompson will meet with the media on Tuesday afternoon on the U.S. Women’s Open.
