Can one resign from professional golf and still play in the major events? The answer may be yes, as evidenced by the actions of one of the LPGA’s finest players, Lexi Thompson. Thompson was ready to leave the spotlight after declaring her break from full-time competition at the end of the 2024 season, citing emotional exhaustion and the demands of touring. However, she returns in 2025, competing in a few tournaments and raising curiosity about the true meaning of “retirement” in professional golf.

There has been a lot of speculation in the LPGA locker room about Lexi Thompson’s position: is she retired, unretired, or somewhere in between? In an interview with Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz on GOLF’s Subpar podcast, fellow LPGA pro Sarah Schmelzel shared her straight opinion.

In response to the query, “Is Lexi retired or not?” Laughing, Schmelzel replied in four words, “Retired from full-time? Oh.. just a part-time gig. Yeah, it’s a good game. Good job if you can get it. Yeah, I have to say, play the majors or whatever you want and then dip. That’s nice, by the way!” Her witty and appreciative remark perfectly encapsulated the opinion that many players have: Thompson’s schedule is unusual, but it’s admirable.

Thompson’s selective appearances have exacerbated the uncertainty. She has participated in several competitions this year, despite stopping her full-time career, such as the Ford Championship in March, where she made the cut and displayed glimpses of her past excellence. Fans and analysts have questioned the nature of her retirement in light of her involvement at these events.

Having won the Chevron Championship in 2014, Thompson has a strong connection to the competition and is teeing it up this week. Thompson’s strategy may be unorthodox, as Schmelzel’s comments suggest, but it is a testament to her enduring skill and the respect she commands in the LPGA community.

Chevron, KPMG, and U.S. Women’s Open: Lexi Thompson’s choice

Even though she is semi-retired, Lexi Thompson is not abandoning the big leagues. Using her lifetime exemption from her 2014 victory, she has announced that she will compete in the 2025 Chevron Championship. She also guarantees her spots in the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship with her current Rolex Ranking of No. 51.

Thompson’s decision to participate in these competitions reflects her desire to remain involved in the sport and challenge herself against the best. Her participation in the majors guarantees that fans will continue to see her extraordinary abilities and passion for competition, even though she may not be on the Tour full-time.

Thompson’s selective participation will be closely monitored during the 2025 season. Athletes looking for longevity and career fulfillment may find inspiration in her ability to strike a balance between her personal interests and competitive highs. For the time being, golf fans can look forward to Lexi Thompson’s return to the game, bringing her flair and intensity to the sport’s greatest stages.