History at 12, Tragedy After 5-Shot Lead & More: Lexi Thompson’s U.S. Women’s Open Journey Through the Years

Lexi Thompson’s career has been shaped by more than just her 11 tour wins and her major victory in 2014 at the Chevron Championship. The 29-year-old’s six Solheim Cup appearances, consecutive starts in the US Women’s Open, and her participation in the 2016 and 2021 Summer Olympics have also played a significant role. However, the US Women’s Open holds a special place in her heart. As she prepares for her 18th consecutive start at this year’s US Women’s Open, here are some of the highlights of her journey so far.

#1: In 2007, Lexi Thompson became the youngest golfer ever to qualify for the US Women’s Open

In 2007, at the age of 12 years and 4 months, Lexi Thompson secured a place in the 56-player field through sectional qualifying for the 2007 championship, becoming the youngest ever to qualify for the tournament. At Heathrow Country Club, she shot 72-71, breaking Morgan Pressel’s previous record of 12 years, 11 months, and 21 days when she qualified for the 2001 Women’s Open.

Even though Lucy Li, who was 11 at the time, broke her record in the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open, Thompson’s achievement still stands as one of the most memorable moments in her life. This marked only the beginning of memorable moments from the US Women’s Open in Thompson’s life.

#2: Top-10 finish for the first time in a major in 2010

Thompson’s list of achievements expanded in 2010, when she was just 15 years old. During the 2010 US Women’s Open, her first professional event, the 15-year-old concluded the week with a 73 at Oakmont Country Club. Her performance placed her in sixth place during the final round, eventually finishing in T-10, marking the LPGA star’s first top-10 finish at the major.

#3: Lexi Thompson almost claimed her second major title in 2019

Despite Thompson’s 16 top-10 finishes in majors thus far, the 2019 US Women’s Open may stand out in her memory forever. She started strong with exceptional ball striking in the first three days, missing only nine fairways during that period. However, the final round took an unexpected turn for the golfer. Thompson missed eight shots in the final round, a significant downward spiral from her performance in previous rounds.

After missing only seven greens through 54 holes, she missed seven on Sunday. After three rounds under par, a 2-over-par 73 resulted in a total of 4-under-par 280 for the 72 holes. As a result, the 29-year-old finished second, two strokes behind Jeongeun Lee, the South Korean golfer.

#4: Heartbreaking Moment at the 2021 US Women’s Open

Having started impressively in 2019, Lexi Thompson replicated her success at the 2021 US Women’s Open. She began flawlessly shooting a bogey-free 5-under 66 on Saturday before heading to the final round, resulting in a commanding five-shot lead near the end of the front nine. Despite widespread anticipation of her potentially clinching another major title, that outcome ultimately eluded her.

Three hours later, she departed from the 18th green, having come up short on a crucial par putt she needed to make. It was undoubtedly a heartbreaking moment, especially considering her significant lead and the closing bogey that left her just one shot shy of forcing a playoff. Later, feeling powerless in the situation, the golfer managed a smile before proceeding to sign off on a disappointing back-nine score of five over 41, marking an unfortunate end to her tournament.

#5: 18th consecutive start in the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open

A few days ago, just before she was about to make her 18th consecutive start in the US Women’s Open, the news of Lexi Thompson’s retirement broke. Its suddenness caught many off guard, especially since there were no hints or indications from her beforehand. It’s possible that even Thompson herself wasn’t entirely sure about her decision until recently.

During a press conference at Pennsylvania’s Lancaster Country Club, the 29-year-old disclosed, “Just staying true to myself. Being out here can be a lot. It can be lonely.” This revelation was unexpected, considering the professional golfer has typically been surrounded by fans and fellow LPGA pros. A similar situation unfolded recently at the Chevron Championship, where the pro missed the cut and subsequently addressed mental and physical health concerns on Instagram.

With her imminent departure from the professional golf scene after this LPGA season, what are your expectations for her final performance in the 2024 US Women’s Open? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!