Nelly Korda and Other Pro Golfers React to Lexi Thompson’s Shocking Retirement

Earning her 18th consecutive start in the U.S. Women’s Open at the age of just 29 is an impressive feat, and Lexi Thompson has achieved it. However, this will be Thompson’s last appearance at the highly coveted event. Yes, you heard it right! The 11-time LPGA Tour winner officially announced her retirement. The ongoing season is her last season of professional golf.

The announcement is highly unexpected, but it also makes sense as Thompson has been struggling with her wrist. Last year, she confessed to “overdoing” things, and she also shared that after the 2024 Chevron Championship, “Not being 100% healthy is never fun to deal with physically or mentally.”

The US Women’s Open might have seemed like the perfect choice to make such a heartfelt announcement. Back in 2007, Thompson made history by qualifying for the tournament at the age of 12, becoming the youngest-ever qualifier. This was just the beginning of her beautiful journey. In addition, in 2008, the professional won the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship. Subsequently, in 2009, she made the cut in the U.S. Women’s Open at the age of 14 and achieved a 4-0-1 record for the United States in the 2010 Curtis Cup.

She began her professional career at the age of 16 and won the Navistar LPGA Classic in September 2011, marking her first Tour win. It wasn’t until 2014 that she secured her only major victory at the Chevron Championship. Despite having only one major title, her 16 top-10 finishes in majors, including a close call at the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open, where she finished T2, underscore her incredible talent as a golfer.

Thompson posted a video on her Instagram, reflecting on her journey with golf thus far and captioning it “Thankful 🙏🏻 Have a listen to the letter I wrote to the game of golf.” She highlighted how golf has been important in her life, teaching her “resilience, patience, and the power of perseverance.” 

The 29-year-old shared how the game was not always nice to her, yet she loved it very dearly and still does. She also discussed the ups and downs of her journey and how social media can bring both fame and criticism. She concluded the video by expressing gratitude for all her experiences.

While her last LPGA Tour victory was in June 2019, she also made history at the PGA Tour event Shriners Children’s Open in 2023. During the second round, she drove to the 15th hole and carded a 69, becoming only the second woman ever to break 70 in a PGA Tour event. With all these accomplishments, she has left an indelible mark on the golf world, prompting other pros to flood social media with heartfelt messages.

Heartfelt messages to Lexi Thompson from fellow pros

Starting with #1 golfer Nelly Korda, who commented, “Congratulations on an amazing career! Enjoy the rest of the year and wishing you all the best in your next chapter.” This comment emphasizes that Thompson’s multiple Tour wins and two Olympic appearances in 2016 and 2021 have significantly shaped her “amazing” career. Thompson has appeared in the Solheim Cup six times, and at such a young age, she is already a Solheim Cup veteran. Korda also wished her luck as the 29-year-old embarks on the next chapter of her life. Thompson shared that although she is hanging her clubs, she will continue to support the game in her capacity from outside the ropes.

Another comment from former LPGA pro, Michelle Wie West read, “Honored to have played alongside you.” This highlighted her experience with Thompson, particularly when they both competed at the 2019 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Wie West felt privileged to share the course with a professional like Thompson.

Echoing similar sentiments, another pro, Paula Creamer, commented, “You have had an amazing career, Lexi! It will be so much fun watching the next chapter of your life.” The 29-year-old golfer is excited to start the new chapter of her life which will be away from the cameras. She is ready to spend time with her family, her best companion Leo, and most probably herself.

Similar to Wie West, another former pro and the 2023 European Solheim Cup Captain, Suzann Pettersen, shared her thoughts, commenting, “Thanks for all the battles, laughs, and fairways we’ve shared!! Life after golf is even better. Enjoy the final stretch!” She likely alluded to the 2023 Solheim Cup when Thompson faced European and Swedish rookies while Pettersen led the European team. Pettersen also offered advice from her own experience, noting that life changes after golf, and we truly cannot wait for her next chapter!

Though Chiara Noja is a young pro, her comment, “Thank you for inspiring me and hope to see you again,” highlighted her admiration for Thompson. Noja was inspired by Thompson’s 11 tour wins and top finishes and expressed her gratitude and hope to meet the 29-year-old again. Thompson wishes to nurture young talent too in the game, and probably, it will be something she will pursue in the future.

As evident from the comments section, messages from professionals worldwide underscore the significant impact she had on the greens. While she remains on the LPGA Tour until the end of the season, how do you think her final stretch will unfold? Do you believe she can secure her second major title before retirement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!