Lexi Thompson – “My Dog Saved My Life”

Lexi Thompson - "My Dog Saved My Life"

Lexi Thompson Dog
(Image credit: Getty Images)

After completing her second round at the Aramco Team Series, Lexi Thompson revealed how much of a part her havapoo dog, Leo, has played in her life.

Lexi Thompson - "My Dog Saved My Life"

Bursting onto the scene when she qualified for the Women's US Open as a 12-year-old, Lexi Thompson is one of the game's biggest stars.

However, in 2018, the American decided to take a break from the game, sighting a number of personal reasons.

Abruptly withdrawing from the 2018 Women's British Open citing emotional and mental exhaustion, Thompson wrote on Instagram: "I have not truly felt like myself for quite some time. I am therefore taking this time to recharge my mental batteries, and to focus on myself away from the game of professional golf."

Since her return, Thompson has secured two LPGA Tour victories. One of the main reasons for her successful return actually lies in her havapoo dog, Leo.

"When I'm home I love hanging out with my family and friends, but when I'm on the road I go back and hang with my dog. He is my best friend and he saved my life and he's just amazing, so I'm very grateful that he came into my life."

According to reports, pets can play a huge part in your mental health, with both dogs and cats reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Thompson says that: "no matter what I shoot, this guy is giving me kisses no matter what."

It's been proven that pets can also ease loneliness, an important factor in a time where self-isolation at events is often mandatory.

Lexi Thompson Dog

Michelle Wie poses with her dog Lola. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

It's not just Thompson who brings their pet pooch with them to events, Michelle Wie often brings her dog Lola to tournaments, as does Jessica Korda with her dog Foxy.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x