Lexi Thompson, 29, Announces Surprise Retirement From Golf With Heartfelt Video

15-time tournament champion Lexi Thompson surprised the golf world on Monday when she announced she would be retiring after the current LPGA season.

Only 29-years-old, Lexi Thompson will join Michelle Wie-West as the second prominent LPGA star to step away from professional golf at an unusually young age in recent years.

(Wie-West announced her decision in 2022 when she was just 32-years-old.)

“While it is never easy to say goodbye, it is indeed time,” Thompson wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “At the end of 2024, I will be stepping away from a full professional golf schedule. I’m excited to enjoy the remainder of the year as there are still goals I want to accomplish. I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life. Time with family, friends, and my trusted companion Leo. I will always look for ways to contribute to the sport and inspire the next generation of golfers. And of course, I look forward to a little time for myself.”

Thompson also shared a “letter” to golf in announcing she was done.

“Golf, what can I say after all these years?” Thompson said. “You have played such an important role for the majority of my life. You welcomed me into your world at such a young age, and for that I am forever 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.”

“Although this has been an amazing journey, it hasn’t always been an easy one,” Lexi Thompson continued. “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.”

Lexi Thompson concluded her letter: “While it is never easy to say goodbye, it is indeed time.”

“Honored to have played alongside you,” Wie-West wrote in the comments to the video.

“You have had an amazing career Lexi! It will be so much fun watching the next chapter of your life, Paula Creamer, the youngest winner of a multiple-round tournament in LPGA history, commented.

The LPGA also saluted Thompson’s incredible golf career.

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