We all remember the ruined farewell Lexi Thompson had. Her illustrious 13-year career on the LPGA Tour came to a close, and it was a bittersweet moment for the golfing world. Thompson had announced her decision to retire at the end of 2024, and as she teed off at the CME Group Tour Championship, fans were eager to bid her a fond farewell. However, the LPGA Tour’s decision to have the final round played in threesomes, starting from both the front and back nine, left Thompson disappointed. Due to this change, she started from the back nine, which meant she wouldn’t get to finish her final round on the 18th hole.
But in the latest X post by Golf Week’s Beth Anne Nicholas, fans got to see how much they mean to the golfer. Lexi Thompson is saying goodbye to the LPGA Tour after an incredible 14 seasons. As she looked back on her journey, she got emotional thinking about all the amazing moments she’s had. “I’ll remember everything… the fans, the sponsors, they’ve all made a big impact on my life,” she said. Thompson is grateful for the love and encouragement she’s received over the years. Her dedication to the sport and her fans has been inspiring, and it’s clear that she’ll always treasure the memories she’s made on the LPGA Tour.
Golfers have always been told to be strong and intimidating on the golf course and to never show any sign of weakness. But she revealed that she’s held a lot in since she was super young, trying to live up to the expectations of being a professional athlete. She believes that as athletes, they are always told to be strong and intimidating, and not show any signs of weakness. “No, I’ve held a lot in. I think as athletes you’re always told to be strong and be intimidating on the golf course. Don’t show any sign the weakness,” she said.
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Lexi Thompson and her mom share a sweet moment on the ninth. Difficult to measure what Lexi has meant to the LPGA. She always put the fans first. pic.twitter.com/lejMM9DZii
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) November 24, 2024
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Thompson also opened up about the challenges of being a professional athlete. “I’ve always tried to be strong and tough on the golf course,” she said. “But it’s okay to show your emotions and be vulnerable.” But you’ll be surprised to know that Thompson is not the only one saying goodbye to the game.
Lexi Thompson and other golfers are ready for the next step in their lives
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Did the LPGA Tour's decision rob Lexi Thompson of a fitting farewell on the 18th hole?
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Lexi Thompson isn’t alone in her goodbye to the LPGA Tour. Veterans Marina Alex and Ally Ewing have also decided to move on to the next phase of their lives. Thompson, now 29, reflected on her career, saying that the love and support from fans meant the world to her. She had always hoped to leave a lasting impact as a role model and inspire young golfers. “It means more to me than anything. Of course, the wins, you know, got me to what I am, the accomplishments and everything, but I wanted to leave a bigger impact as a role model, somebody who gave back to the game”, she said.
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As for what’s next for Thompson, she’s not hanging up her golf clubs just yet. She’ll be competing alongside partner Rickie Fowler at the mixed-gender Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon in a few weeks. After taking a short break for Thanksgiving, Thompson plans to get back into training to prepare for the event. “I will take a few days off because of Thanksgiving and just to shut it down a little bit and give my mind a reset,” she continued. So, what are your thoughts on her goodbye message? Let us know in the comment section below!
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Did the LPGA Tour's decision rob Lexi Thompson of a fitting farewell on the 18th hole?