Lexi Thompson Announces Retirement, Reveals Her Mental Health Challenges
Lexi Thompson, a 29-year-old veteran of the LPGA, has announced her retirement from professional golf, highlighting the pressures and mental health challenges faced by athletes in the public eye. In an open letter shared on Instagram on May 28, Thompson reflected on her career and the difficulties she has encountered. “Although this has been an…
Lexi Thompson, a 29-year-old veteran of the LPGA, has announced her retirement from professional golf, highlighting the pressures and mental health challenges faced by athletes in the public eye. In an open letter shared on Instagram on May 28, Thompson reflected on her career and the difficulties she has encountered.
“Although this has been an amazing journey, it hasn’t always been an easy one,” Thompson stated in her letter, which was accompanied by a video montage showcasing her career highlights. “Since I was 12 years old, my life as a golfer has been a whirlwind of constant attention, scrutiny, and pressure. The cameras are always on, capturing every swing and every moment on and off the golf course.”
Thompson also pointed out the relentless nature of social media. “Social media never sleeps, with comments and criticisms flooding in from around the world,” she said. “It can be exhausting to maintain a smile on the outside while grappling with struggles on the inside.”
Thompson first made headlines when she qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open at the age of 12 in 2007, becoming the youngest person to do so. Her career includes 11 LPGA Tour victories, a major championship, two Olympic appearances, and over $14 million in earnings.
In her retirement video, Thompson spoke candidly about her mental health battles and the importance of discussing them publicly. “By opening up about my own battles, I’ve been able to connect with others who feel isolated in their struggles, offering them a sense of community and understanding,” she said. “Each time I share, it reinforces the message that it’s OK to not be OK, and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Thompson further elaborated on the role of mental health in her decision to retire during a press conference at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open. “I think we all have our own [mental health] struggles, especially out here,” she noted. “Unfortunately in golf, you lose more than you win, so it’s an ongoing battle to continue to put yourself out there in front of the cameras and continue working hard, maybe not seeing the results you want, and getting criticized for it. So it’s hard. I will say, yes, I’ve struggled with it. I don’t think there’s somebody out here that hasn’t. It’s just a matter of how well you hide it, which is very sad.”
She continued, “It’s an important thing to address and be okay with getting help and getting the support and surrounding yourself with the people that support you and love you because there are always people who do care so much about you and will help you get through those tough moments.”
Thompson’s retirement marks the end of an era in women’s golf, but her openness about mental health continues to inspire many.