Lexi Thompson Could Be Ending Major Career At AIG Women’s Open This Week
Thompson announced her retirement in May and could well be set for a final-ever appearance at a Major championship this week
Lexi Thompson - one of the most iconic names of all time in women's golf - is set for what could be her final appearance at a Major championship this week when the AIG Women's Open takes place at St Andrews' Old Course.
Thompson announced her plan to retire from a "full professional golf schedule" back in late May, 17 years on from her first appearance as a 12-year-old at the US Women's Open.
Announcing her decision, the 29-year-old said: "While it is never easy to say goodbye, it is indeed time. 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."
At the US Women's Open, just days after Thompson's revelation, she missed the cut to make it five from seven tournaments where the American had failed to play the weekend this season.
A post shared by Lexi Thompson (@lexi)
A photo posted by on
Yet, since then, the 2014 Chevron Championship winner has chiseled out an excellent sequence of results - with her best of the season arriving at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give in the form of a T2nd.
Two further top-10s followed, one of which arrived at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship where Thompson was leading at the end of Thursday's opening round.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
The woman from Coral Springs, Florida confirmed that she was "very content" with her decision to retire still - despite her career benefitting from something of an Indian Summer, in terms of results.
Speaking at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, she said: "I'm just taking it one day at a time. I made my announcement. I'm very content with it. Golf is a crazy game, so I'm not going to look too far ahead. Just taking it one day at a time and see where it takes me."
Thompson went on to state that she does not feel her improved form in 2024 is down to her retirement announcement.
She said: "I don't think that has to do with announcing what I did. It's just a matter of being comfortable out there, playing free-swing Lexi I guess. Just enjoying being out there every step of the way."
And now, Thompson has the chance to not only improve on her best finish of eighth at a Women's Open but also claim the ultimate retirement gift in the form of a second Major.
She will tee it up alongside the likes of Lilia Vu, Ashleigh Buhai, and Nelly Korda at St Andrews and could end up walking over the equally-iconic Swilcan Bridge for the final time as a pro come Sunday afternoon.
Lexi Thompson AIG Women's Open Results
Lexi Thompson managed a best-ever finish of T8 at the Women's Open, and that came in 2016 at Woburn. Otherwise, she has missed the cut four out of 11 appearances but ended between 11th and 20th five times.
Thompson withdrew from the 2018 championship after admitting she had "not truly felt like myself" for some time, but has featured in every single other Women's Open since making her debut in 2012.
2012 | T17th |
2013 | CUT |
2014 | T54th |
2015 | T17th |
2016 | T8th |
2017 | T11th |
2018 | WD |
2019 | T16th |
2020 | CUT |
2021 | T20th |
2022 | CUT |
2023 | CUT |
Lexi Thompson's Best Major Results
Thompson has played in 66 total Major championships throughout her career and has an outstanding overall record, despite only managing to win one - the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship (now the Chevron Championship).
The 29-year-old has finished in positions 1-7, except from sixth, at the Chevron Championship - ending fourth twice - while recording five top-10s at the US Women's Open, four top-10s at the Women's PGA Championship, and three top-10s at the Evian Championship.
She would likely have added to her tally at the 2017 ANA Inspiration (Chevron) but was penalized four strokes - two for incorrectly replacing her ball on the 17th and two for signing an incorrect scorecard - during the third round.
The error was picked up by a fan on TV and only enforced after the round. Regardless, she ended up in a playoff with So-yeon Ryu but missed out on the title.
Thompson has been runner-up at three of the four Majors she has not managed to win, ending solo second at the 2015 Evian Championship and finishing T2 at the 2019 US Women's Open and 2022 KPMG Women's PGA Championship.
Thompson also endured another nightmare moment during the 2021 US Women's Open when she led by five strokes heading into the back nine. However, she carded a five-over par 41 on the back nine to miss out on a playoff by one shot.
Event | Result | Year |
---|---|---|
Chevron Championship | Won | 2014 |
US Women's Open | T2nd | 2019 |
Women's PGA Championship | T2nd | 2022 |
Evian Championship | 2nd | 2015 |
Women's Open | T8th | 2016 |
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Which School Has The Most NCAA Division I Championship Golf Titles?
Many schools have won the NCAA Division I Championship title through the years, but who comes out on top?
By Mike Hall Published
-
What Are Jon Rahm's Stock Yardages?
The LIV golfer is one of the game's most powerful hitters, but how far does Rahm hit every club in the bag?
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Grant Thornton Invitational Full Field And Teams Confirmed Ahead Of 2024 Tournament
All 16 pairings have been unveiled ahead of the second-ever Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club in December
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Curtis Cup Star Jasmine Koo Wins Third Consecutive Collegiate Title
Jasmine Koo secured the East Lake Cup to become the first USC Trojan to win three consecutive titles since 2013
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Toto Japan Classic Prize Money Payout 2024
Mone Inami defends her title as the Asian Swing section of the LPGA Tour season concludes with the Toto Japan classic at Seta Golf Club
By Mike Hall Published
-
Aramco Team Series Riyadh Prize Money Payout 2024
Alison Lee defends her title in Riyadh
By Mike Hall Published
-
Ruoning Yin Lands Second LPGA Tour Title In Three Starts
China's Yin won the Maybank Championship in fine style after carding a final round 65 to triumph by one over Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
College Stars Make Big Decisions On Turning Pro After Reaching Final Stage Of LPGA Tour Q-Series
Adela Cernousek and Zoe Campos both progressed to the final stage of LPGA Tour’s Q-Series, but only one will be taking the chance to earn a card for the 2025 season
By Mike Hall Published
-
Report: Transgender Golfer Faces Potential Ban Amid LPGA Tour Policy Review
Hailey Davidson may be banned from competing on next season's Epson Tour despite earning status on the developmental circuit via the second stage of LPGA Q-Series
By Mike Hall Published
-
How Much Did Ruoning Yin Win At The Maybank Championship?
A world-class field competes in the second edition of the no-cut event with the chance to claim a sizeable first prize and crucial Race to CME Globe points
By Mike Hall Last updated