Lexi Thompson gave a tearful press conference after ending her final full-time competitive season on the LPGA Tour.
Getty Images
Lexi Thompson is only 29 years old, but she has lived several lifetimes in golf.
She introduced herself to the world of golf in 2007 when she qualified for the Women’s US Open at the age of 12. At the time, she was the youngest player ever to qualify for the national championship. She turned pro three years later and won for the first time on the LPGA Tour the following season. The question then was not whether the young superstar was going to win a major title, but instead how much.
It turns out Thompson would go on to win just one, a desert triumph in 2014 that culminated in a jump at Poppie’s Pond. There were other opportunities, complete with close calls and controversial finishes, but Thompson’s win at Dinah Shore was her only triumph on the biggest stage. Of course, Thompson’s journey had many other highlights, but ultimately her career was defined by what could have BEEN.
On Sunday in Naples, that journey officially ended. With a final round of 74 at the end of the season CME Group Tour Championship, Thompson’s competitive playing career is over. There may be back-to-back events in the future, but for now, Thompson’s full-time playing days are behind her.
Speaking to the media after the round, Thompson tried to contain her emotions when reflecting on “the end”.
“It was very exciting,” she said. “It really wasn’t until I got to (the last hole) for some reason. It all hit me.”
Thompson’s final event did not go as she had hoped. She posted two under for the week — good for a tie for 49th — and her final round featured a four-over 8. Thompson ended up at No. 9, not No. 18.
“So sad,” Thompson wrote on Instagram. “Guess I won’t be able to hug all the amazing fans on the 18th.”
Ultimately, of course, the unceremonious finish and poor play won’t be what Thompson is remembered for. Her legacy will be shaped by her triumphs and her heartaches—and also by her generosity to those who supported her through it all.
“(My legacy) means more to me than anything,” Thompson said. “Of course the wins, you know, made me who I am, the accomplishments and everything, but I wanted to make a bigger impact as a role model, somebody who gave back to the game, somebody who influenced little girls. and guys here starting in the game at a young age. Showing the way I give back to people and sponsors and everything, there are more important things than just playing good golf.”
Some observers will say that Thompson fell short on the course; others will say it was partly the result of undue pressure at a very early age. Her resume is full of great accomplishments, but it’s hard not to wonder how much better she could have been.
One thing that cannot be argued, however, is the impact Thompson made on her fans who supported her through it all. Even in her darkest moments, she always found time to come back.
“The moments I will cherish the most are probably with the fans,” she said. “These are the moments I will really remember because they had an impact on my life as well.”
