Lexi Thompson Going Back on Retirement Decision More Likely Than Ever Despite LPGA’s ‘Burnout’ Problem

It was almost a month ago that the LPGA Tour bid farewell to three players – Brittany Lincicome, Marina Alex, and Lexi Thompson – at the CME Group Championship. And as 29-year-old Thomson retired from her full-time commitments, she said, “Golf is just a game. As frustrating as it can be, there is more to life.” But just as she set out to experience the “more” that life has to offer, is it possible she could be back on tour soon?

Well, her comments during the press conference before the Grant Thornton Invitational – her final event – may have suggested so.

As someone who qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open at the age of 12 in 2007, becoming the youngest person to ever do so, Lexi Thompson has been around for quite some time. That was evident when she announced her retirement in mid-2024, wanting to settle down and focus on her personal life. But another major reason was her revelation about struggling with mental health. Considering this, the interviewer at the Grant Thornton Invitational conference couldn’t help but ask, “How are you feeling?”

The 29-year-old responded, “It’s just great to be back here this week. I did say [I’m retiring] just from a full-time schedule. Just going to take that time for myself, spend it with my family and friends, and really just decompress and make sure that if or when I do decide to play, that I’m ready and I’m in a good mind space.” At last year’s inaugural Grant Thornton Invitational, Thompson partnered with Rickie Fowler (just like she is in 2024), and it was a memorable experience, to say the least.

Which event is set to be Lexi Thompson’s final appearance before her retirement?

The 11-time LPGA Tour winner carded the first ace in tournament history. It was in the second-round Foursomes play, during which Lexi Thompson sunk a 155-yard stroke for a hole-in-one – the 11th of her career. The pair subsequently finished the co-sanctioned mixed-team PGA TOUR-LPGA Tour event in T6, and needless to say, it was a memorable experience for Fowler as well. And this was evident in his comments during the pre-tournament press conference on Wednesday.

When asked about his partner’s retirement from full-time play and the impact she’s had on the LPGA Tour, Rickie Fowler said, “I mean, massive would be one way to look at it. As far as the whole game and then looking into the women’s game, it’s been a lot of fun to watch.” Addressing the fact that Thompson started her professional journey as a 12-year-old, the PGA Tour pro added, “[You started] A little sooner than most people, so you got a little bit of a head start there… I know I am hoping that you still will play some [after retiring] so we can see you.”

Interestingly, Lexi Thompson has addressed the prospect of returning to the tour before the Grant Thornton Invitational, too. At the CME Group Championship, she was asked if she – like Brittany Lincicome – would make an appearance at the Chevron Championship. Her answer? “It’d probably be one of the ones that I have circled on my calendar. It’s still a memory that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life – getting my first major win at that event. So it’s very special to me. [It] will be one of the ones that I definitely think about playing for sure.” But that’s not all.

What’s your perspective on:
Is Lexi Thompson’s retirement a loss for golf, or a necessary step for her personal growth?

Even in September, before the Solheim Cup, Thompson talked about how she’d like to stay involved with the team event. “I’d love to be still a part of it in any way just because I know how special it’s meant to me and how many memories and relationships and friendships I’ve made throughout the Solheim Cup. So I’d love to be a part of it.”

These admissions have left fans confused but equally expectant because, although Lexi Thompson won’t be a regular on the LPGA Tour, it looks like she has no intention of completely distancing herself from professional golf. Yes, she is stepping away, but not without leaving fans with tons of hope. “It looks like more of a normal life, I would imagine,” the 29-year-old said while talking about her expectations after retirement. “I can definitely see that in my future: going out there, playing with friends and having a good time.

“Of course, when or if I do tee it up [in a professional tournament], I’ll be practicing and making sure my game is right for those events. I’m still very competitive.

That will never go away.” That said, considering Thompson’s earlier admissions about wanting to continue playing professional golf, what made her comments before the Grant Thornton Invitational more convincing? Well, it was Lexi’s dear friend Jessica Korda’s conversation on the Symlie Show.

What did Jessica Korda say about Lexi Thompson’s retirement?

For every professional golfer and fan, this was sad news to hear. But as a golfer herself, Jessica Korda could relate to the tiring schedule that players on the LPGA Tour have to go through. When Symlie Kaufman brought up the schedule, Korda couldn’t help but address just how much they have to travel week after week. Her comments echoed those of Brittany Lincicome from a few weeks ago.