Lexi Thompson shares what she will miss most about the LPGA after retiring from full-time golf

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While it has been on the cards for some time, it was no surprise to see the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship prove to be an emotional occasion for Lexi Thompson as she said goodbye to full-time golf on the LPGA.

Lexi Thompson announced earlier this year that this season would be her final year as a full-time player on the LPGA. Of course, the 29-year-old has been a stalwart of the tour for almost 15 years – winning the then-Kraft Nabisco Championship back in 2014.

Unfortunately, there was not exactly a fairytale ending for Thompson. Thompson started the final round at four under par, 11 shots back of both Angel Yin and Jeeno Thitikul.

Thompson expressed her disappointment at teeing off on the 10th hole as the LPGA looked to get everyone around the course at Tiburon Golf Club. However, she managed to get herself to six under par for the tournament before a quadruple bogey on her 12th hole of the day.

Lexi Thompson shares what she will miss most about the LPGA

That was rightly put to one side however, as she putted out on her final hole of the day. And following her round, Thompson shared what she will miss most about playing full-time on the LPGA.

“I think I’ll miss the fans, playing in front of them. I keep on repeating that, but the fans are the reason I’ve made it this far and the support of my family and loved ones,” she said.

“But having them alongside me every time I tee it up out here has meant so much.”

The LPGA now faces a big challenge as Thompson prepares to exit the stage

Of course, the LPGA has a number of superstars. Nelly Korda has had a historic year, winning seven times across 2024. Meanwhile, Charley Hull has emerged as a star with how she conducts herself on the course.

But losing someone like Thompson is obviously a big blow to the LPGA. She has clearly done more than most to inspire those who have watched the LPGA in the last 15 years.

It does appear that she will continue playing part-time. And Thompson returning to the game cannot be ruled out, it seems. Ultimately, she has spent her entire life prioritising golf, so who knows what she will make of her future.

Thankfully, announcing her retirement in advance gave many the chance to pay a fitting tribute to Thompson.