‘I’m Proud Of Her’ – USGA CEO Mike Whan Praises ‘Courageous’ Lexi Thompson

A day after one of the women’s game’s superstars, Lexi Thompson, revealed she will retire from full-time professional golf at the end of the season, USGA CEO Mike Whan has heaped praise on her.

Whan was speaking to the media ahead of the second women’s Major of the year, the US Women’s Open, which is organized by the USGA, where he had nothing but good things to say about both Thompson and her decision.

He began: “I'm excited if she's excited. If this is something that's going to make her happy, that's great.”

Thompson’s announcement came as a shock because she joins a list of LPGA stars to retire early at the age of just 29. However, she is preparing for her 18th successive US Women’s Open, having made her maiden appearance at the age of 12. Whan explained she’s more than served her dues – and handled herself brilliantly in the process.

“She has definitely given her time,” he said. “I think anybody in this room who works at the LPGA or did would tell you that if we were going to write a book about how to handle yourself off the golf course, not even talking about the competition and accomplishments on, but in terms of how to handle sponsors, how to handle fans, how to handle availability, she was a role model.

“If this is the next exciting thing for her, I'm the last guy who can tell you about moving on to the next thing because you feel like you need a new challenge.”

On the day of her announcement, Thompson also faced the media, where she revealed she was “very content” with her decision, and touched on the pressures of being a full-time pro. Whan, also raised that issue, particularly with regards to Thompson’s dedication to the game from such a young age.

He said: “I think a lot of regular fans don't comprehend - and I wasn't here yesterday when Lexi was talking - don't comprehend what it's like to lose ages 12 to 19 to a professional endeavor. Most of us had those experiences.

What feels like 29 to us probably feels like 39 to her in terms of missing some of those things that you always wanted to be a part of.”

Thompson’s hugely successful LPGA Tour career, which includes 15 wins, has rewarded her financially to the tune of over $14m, and Whan said he hopes that has given her the freedom to make the choice best for her.

He added: “Maybe this is a glass half full, I'm excited if she feels like financially she can and wants to. There was probably a time when people wanted to step away at 29 and couldn't. Like I said, if that makes her happier and excited, then I think that's great.”

Whan then explained how Thompson’s decision is a mark of her courage. He said: “I have three kids, and I always say to my kids, the most courageous choice you'll make in your lives will be the choices you make that everybody else thinks are wrong from your thoughts, but you know it's the right choice for you.

"And I'm sure Lexi got a lot of counter points of view, but if she believes that's the right choice for her, I'm proud of her. Just another in a lot of courageous choices she's made in her career.”