The chances of seeing Lexi Thompson play on the LPGA Tour in 2025 are slim to none. Three weeks ago, the 1-time major winner announced her retirement plans and declared that she would not play professional golf starting in 2025. However, since the shocking statements, Thompson’s performance at the LPGA Tour has improved.
After missing the cut four times in a row, Thompson carded her second top 5 finish at the Meijer LPGA Classic, ending the tournament as a runner-up. Following that, the 11-time LPGA Tour winner has now taken the solo clubhouse lead at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at the conclusion of the opening round. Will this change of pace also change her retirement plans?
Lexi Thompson shares if she will change her mind about retirement
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Lexi Thompson carded the lowest round score on day one at the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, following six birdies and three bogeys to be 4 under 68. This is the first time in the 2024 season that the 1-time major winner has taken the 18-hole lead in any event. Per exemplary performance, Thompson was asked at the press conference if winning the major would potentially change her mind.
The 28-year-old solemnly replied that expected this question and said, “I’m just taking it one day at a time. I made my announcement. I’m very content with it.” Thompson neither denied nor accepted that it might change her retirement plans, meaning that there might be a slight chance.
Her later statements also confirmed that Thompson might not be 100% certain about retiring in 2025. The LPGA star added, “Golf is a crazy game, so I’m not going to look too far ahead.” Indeed, the game of golf is uncertain, and anything could happen in an instant—even the 11-time LPGA Tour winner walking back on her retirement announcement.
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But has this sudden improvement been the result of retirement? As it comes out, the retirement might have loosened Thompson. However, the Floridian native shared that it is not the case as it has been perceived.
Lexi Thompson shares why her game has changed
Recently, Lexi Thompson graced the LPGA Tour events with a new caddie after she parted ways with her former caddie, Colton Heisey, before the Meijer Classic. Her new caddie, Mark Wallington, has been a good friend of the LPGA star and, as Thompson expressed, equals her out when she criticized herself after a bad shot.
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So, when she was asked what had been the change for her better gameplay. She said, “I kind of clicked onto something with my golf swing just trying to simplify things out there and visualize my shots and be more comfortable,” on top of having a different looper. Thompson clarified that the retirement announcement had nothing to do with her good or bad performance, saying, “Just enjoying being out there every step of the way.”
Moreover, the 28-year-old expressed that as she has improved her form, the fans’ support has been another reason boosting her momentum on and off the course. With her form returning at the front, Lexi Thompson might become a second-time major champion and might change her plans for early retirement.