Lexi Thompson couldn't contain her emotions as she spoke to reporters after her journey at the U.S. Women's Open ended earlier than she expected.
After hitting a bogey putt for her final stroke of the tournament, Thompson walked away to applause. As she was doing so, a fan shouted: "We'll miss you, Lexi!" Facing reporters after her round, the 29-year-old was asked what she would tell her younger self about the journey she had been on for the past 17 years.
"I would say probably just enjoy life," Thompson said, as her voice trembled with the thought of her impending retirement. "Just be grateful for everything that you have in your life. Enjoy every experience that you get to make just being out here."
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Thompson had been competing since she was 12 years old, becoming the youngest golfer to qualify to play in the U.S. Women's Open, in 2007. That record was broken in 2014 by Lucy Li, who made her debut at the tournament at 11 years old.
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The former Major champion turned professional at 15 years old and soon after, won her first - and so far only - major championship at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship at 19 years old. She still ranks among the youngest LPGA major winners in history, showing just how skilled she was at a young age.
However, Thompson shocked the golf world by announcing she would be retiring at the end of the 2024 season. As she spoke to reporters after her round, it was clear the decision to step away was weighing on her.
Lexi Thompson missed the cut at the U.S. Women's Open, finishing +13 for the week (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)"It’s meant the world to me. I’m so blessed and grateful for the family I have - this is why I didn’t wanna do this - I’m just very blessed for the family I have - this is why I needed a moment," she said after stopping numerous times to compose herself. " Going into the weekend, it was going to be a big week so just to have my family and friends, the amount of fans that were out there this week.
"That’s what we want for the game of golf to grow at each and every tournament. And I hope it continues to do so whether I’m teeing it up or not, that’s what the LPGA needs." Thompson added that she would most miss the "competitiveness" and the friendships she's made on the links.
On the other side, Thompson candidly shared she appreciates having a "nice balance" in her life, after spending so much time training to be the best golfer she can be. The 29-year-old announced she was retiring at the end of the season because she needed to focus on herself and her well-being.
“Social media never sleeps with comments and criticisms flooding in from around the world. It can be exhausting to maintain a smile on the outside while grappling with struggles on the inside," she said in her retirement letter. "By opening up about my own battles, I’ve been able to connect with others who feel isolated in their struggles, offering them a sense of community and understanding.
"Each time I share, it reinforces the message that it’s okay to not be okay and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. While it is never easy to say goodbye, it is indeed time."
Thompson has not announced what her plans are regarding golf after the conclusion of this season. Though if her run at the U.S. Women's Open is any indication, it appears the fans will be missing her as well.
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