Lexi Thompson reveals she wants to be remembered when her full-time career on the LPGA Tour comes to an end

She’s still finishing her season, but it’s fair to call Lexi Thompson a legend of the LPGA Tour.

It’s common to refer to players as legends after their careers end, but even though Thompson will no longer be on the tour full-time starting next year, “retirement” wasn’t the word she used at this year’s US Women’s Open she cited mental health as a main reason for stepping away from the game she has always loved.

“I think we all have our problems, especially out here,” she said back in May. “Unfortunately in golf you lose more than you win. So it’s a constant battle to keep putting yourself in front of the camera and keep working hard and maybe you don’t get the results you want and you get criticized for it.” It’s hard.

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“I struggled with it. I don’t think there’s anyone out here who hasn’t done that. It just depends on how well you hide it, which is very sad.”

Thompson fought back tears as she expressed her heart and mind about her decision, and months later she told Fox News Digital how that decision to tell the world how she felt garnered massive support throughout the game had led.

“A lot has happened since the announcement, but all good,” said Thompson, who also discussed her choice of Maxfli golf balls for her final full-time season. “I obviously got nothing but love and support from my family, but also from other competitors. I feel like the things I’ve said this week have opened the door for teammates and just people in general to be open and be honest about how they feel inside and know that they don’t are alone or that they have to hide certain feelings.

LEXI THOMPSON TALKS ABOUT THE “EMOTIONAL WEEK” WHERE SHE PROBABLY PLAYED FOR THE LAST TIME FOR THE USA IN THE SOLHEIM CUP

“I feel like that really affected a lot of people more than my actual announcement itself. That’s a big part of it, but I’ve had nothing but support from my teammates and everyone around me.”

While Thompson took in all the praise, she had time to reflect on her distinguished career in golf. Again, the word “retirement” wasn’t used, but Thompson revealed what she wants to be remembered for on and off the golf course.

“I want people to think about my career as a talented golfer,” she began. “That’s part of it. But I just want people to see me as someone who gives back to the game, who recognizes the importance of what has gone into the tournaments and just the tour, and who is just grateful to be out there.”

“[I] I gave back, made the game a better game, and helped women’s sports develop and include children at a younger age. I think that’s what I want to be seen as. – a role model. A role model that children can look up to and aspire to.

Lexi Thompson looks on during the first round of the US Women’s Open golf tournament. (John Jones-USA TODAY Sports)

Thompson always intended to leave the game better than she was when she turned pro in 2010 at the age of 15. Of course, winning was always on her mind, and Thompson did it 11 times on the LPGA Tour while competing in multiple Solheim Cups and two Olympic Games (2016, 2020) for Team USA.

As golf has evolved tremendously since she turned pro over a decade ago, women’s golf has also benefited, much to Thompson’s delight.

“Of course I don’t think it’s just me,” she said with a laugh. “There are so many talented women out here who have shaped the sport and given back, and that’s what makes the Tour so special.”

“What concerns me is giving back to the fans and the sponsors and seeing that growth over the years in 2010 when I turned pro. We’ve won tournaments, we’ve won sponsorships, we’ve won TV coverage and the amounts of money have increased quite a bit. This is it.” It’s just great to see the growth and we’re getting the praise that women’s golf needs and deserves. I think we are moving in the right direction.

“I think there’s a lot more room for growth, but it’s baby steps and there’s nowhere to go but up.”

GOING OUT WITH MAXFLI

Thompson’s final full-time season saw a change in golf balls as she worked for months with Maxfli, a golf ball brand that has been on a golf course since 1922, to select a ball that she would use year-round.

Thompson spoke about the “honor” it was for him to receive the call from Maxfli to join his team.

Team USA’s Lexi Thompson reacts to her drive on the third tee against Team Europe during the 2024 Solheim Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. (Aaron Doster-Imagn Images)

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“I switched to Maxfli at the beginning of the season,” she said. “They came to me at the end of last season so I was super excited. A very historic golf brand with many top names in the golf industry having used Maxfli golf balls. It was an honor that they reached out. “For me, the opportunity to represent them and their goals in the golf industry really aligns with mine.”

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