Founders Award Winner Lexi Thompson Hopes to Leave Lasting Impact on Those Around Her

Lexi Thompson couldn’t tell you how many autographs she signs in a year.

As one of the most recognizable players on the LPGA Tour, it’s understandable that she’d lose track of how many thousands of times she writes her name on gloves, balls, hats and pin flags throughout the course of a single season. She’s even signed a golf bag or two, as well as a few pairs of golf shoes over the years.

The ironic part is that some people can’t even tell that it’s her signature, as Alexis Thompson doesn’t immediately ring a bell for most women’s golf fans.

“Alexis Thompson isn’t the shortest of names, but I haven’t perfected Lexi yet. So, I’m gonna just stick with Alexis Thompson,” said Thompson of her signature. “Everybody sees that and is like, ‘Who’s the A?’ And I’m like, ‘That’s me.’ I just haven’t gotten the L down. I’ve signed Alexis since I was in the car going to my first U.S. Women’s Open, so I’m sticking with it.”

But no matter how she plays, kids and adults alike still clamor for signatures from and selfies with Thompson, desperate to have a brief interaction with one of the game’s modern icons. And she entertains each and every one of them, knowing that those 10- to 15-second connections for an autograph or photo op will have a lasting impact on a spectator and likely make them a fan of the LPGA Tour for years to come.

And it’s what she does during pre-tournament pro-ams that matters, too. You’ll rarely – if ever – see Thompson turn down an opportunity to play in the weekly events that have been fixtures around LPGA Tour tournaments since the organization’s inception in 1950.

So, it wasn’t a surprise that Thompson was named the recipient of the 2023 Founders Award, an honor given to an LPGA member who, in the opinion of her peers, represents the spirit, ideals and values of the organization through her behavior and deeds, both on and off the golf course.

“It means the world to me, not only to receive the (Founders Award) but just to have the respect of my fellow players out there. And just showing that there’s more to it than the golf side of things,” said Thompson of the honor. “It’s a matter of caring for the sponsors, your fellow competitors, and giving back to the game instead of all about winning and performing well. That’s what means the most to me.”