How can a well-known athlete balance the joy of reaching personal goals with the heartfelt experiences of professional transitions? Renowned for her skill in women’s golf, Lexi Thompson has been a major player on the LPGA Tour since she made it to the U.S. Women’s Open at the young age of 12. 

However, Thompson stated in May 2024 that she was quitting full-time professional golf. Since then, she has been giving fans more glimpses into her life away from the greens by revealing bits of personal information. One of the biggest ones came on New Year’s Day 2025. She announced to the world that she got engaged to her long-time boyfriend Max Provost. He proposed amidst the snow in Whistler. She remarked it was one of her best vacations. After all, Thompson has been dropping hints lately of starting a family, and spending more time cherishing people in her life.

Ever since the proposal, she has been fulfilling her bridal duties, starting with looking for a dress. All along, she is enjoying some downtime too.

Lexi Thompson showed off two things she loves dearly 

She posted a heartwarming Instagram story on February 6, 2025, showing her beloved Leo curled up on a bed. “Don’t leave me, Mommy,” she wrote from Leo’s perspective. Why would she be leaving Leo? Well, to play in the Founders Cup 2025. While she was showcasing her love for Leo, or his for her, she unknowingly flashed off her beautiful engagement ring. We see what you did there, Lexi. We do! 

Leo also stole the spotlight in the photo. Her love for the little furball is known to the world. “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,” she once said about Leo.

The LPGA star is an animal lover. In an interview with Golf Digest, she revealed “I love my dogs, and I have a cat too. It’s just great to have them to come home to after a long day of practice. They always make me happy and keep me grounded. They’re a big part of my life, and I couldn’t imagine not having them.”

Her choice to return to the course exhibits her unwavering love for the game and her fortitude in the face of life’s many challenges. As Thompson welcomes this happy phase of her life, she considers how her engagement affected her choice to leave full-time professional golf. 

Thompson opens up about why she retired

Thompson shared that her decision to withdraw from full-time competition was mostly influenced by her relationship with Max Provost. “It’s the right time in my life to focus on personal happiness and building a future with Max. Golf has been a significant part of my life, but there comes a moment when you need to prioritize personal well-being and relationships,” she said.

When Thompson announced her retirement in May 2024, it received a lot of media coverage. She talked candidly about the mental health issues she encountered during her career, emphasizing the extreme pressure and attention that come with being a professional athlete. “Since I was 12 years old, my life as a golfer has been a whirlwind of constant attention, scrutiny, and pressure,” Thompson recalled. “It’s okay to not be okay, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

It is possible to follow your aspirations while respecting your well-being, as demonstrated by Lexi Thompson, who in this new chapter shows the harmony between professional drive and personal fulfillment. Are you excited to see her on the course again?