Lexi Thompson has long been one of the most recognizable and powerful figures in women’s professional golf. From her prodigious talent as a junior to her major championship victory and consistent presence on the LPGA Tour, she has captivated fans with her aggressive style of play and her unwavering dedication. However, recent developments have seen Thompson navigate a nuanced shift in her career, moving away from a full-time touring schedule while still committing to the sport she loves. This evolution, coupled with her candid responses to recent criticisms, has kept her firmly in the spotlight.
A Star from the Start: The Rise of Lexi Thompson
Born Alexis Noel Thompson on February 10, 1995, in Coral Springs, Florida, Lexi was destined for a life in golf. Her two brothers, Nicholas and Curtis, also pursued professional golf careers, indicating a strong family lineage in the sport. Thompson’s talent was evident from a remarkably young age. In 2007, at just 12 years old, she made history by becoming the youngest golfer ever to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open, a record that stood for several years. This early achievement foreshadowed a career filled with breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks.
She turned professional in June 2010 at the age of 15, an incredibly bold move that quickly paid dividends. Just over a year later, in September 2011, she shattered another record, becoming the youngest-ever winner of an LPGA tournament at 16 years, seven months, and eight days, with her victory at the Navistar LPGA Classic. This win cemented her status as a legitimate force and a player to watch on the professional circuit.
The Peak of Her Powers: Major Victory and Consistent Success
Thompson’s career reached its zenith in 2014 when she captured her first and, to date, only major championship, the Kraft Nabisco Championship (now the Chevron Championship). This triumph was a testament to her immense talent and her ability to perform on the biggest stages. Throughout her career, Thompson has amassed 11 LPGA Tour wins, two Ladies European Tour wins, and several other professional victories, bringing her total professional wins to 15.
Her powerful swing, characterized by remarkable clubhead speed and long drives, has always been a signature of her game. She consistently ranked among the longest hitters on the LPGA Tour, a factor that undoubtedly contributed to her success on various courses. This aggressive approach, often featuring bold lines and an attacking mindset, made her a thrilling player to watch, garnering a significant fan base.
Over the years, Thompson has consistently ranked among the top earners in women’s golf. As of early June 2025, she has moved to 10th on the all-time career money list on the LPGA Tour, earning over $12.6 million in 230 events since joining the tour in 2012. Her impressive career earnings are a clear indicator of her sustained performance and valuable presence in the sport.
The Endorsement Landscape: A Sought-After Brand Ambassador
Beyond her on-course achievements, Lexi Thompson’s charisma and marketability have made her a highly sought-after brand ambassador. She has secured endorsement deals with numerous prominent companies, a testament to her wide appeal and strong personal brand. Some of her notable partnerships include Puma, TaylorMade, Bridgestone, and Rolex, among others. More recently, in April 2025, she announced a partnership with Empower, a financial services leader, further diversifying her portfolio of endorsements. These collaborations not only showcase her status as a golfing icon but also highlight her ability to connect with and inspire a diverse audience.
A New Chapter: The “Semi-Retirement” and Recent Controversies
In a significant announcement at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open, Lexi Thompson revealed she would be stepping away from a full-time touring schedule after the 2024 season. This news led many to believe she was retiring entirely from professional golf. However, Thompson has since clarified her position, emphasizing that she never used the word “retire” but rather stated she would not be playing a full-time schedule. Her intention is to play a reduced schedule in 2025 and beyond, focusing on tournaments she enjoys or major championships.
This transition has not been without its recent share of public scrutiny. At the U.S. Women’s Open in early June 2025, where she missed the cut, Thompson faced criticism regarding her pace of play. Social media buzzed with clips and images, notably featuring her playing partner Charley Hull, seemingly frustrated with the slow pace. Thompson swiftly addressed these criticisms on Instagram, asserting that her group had been waiting on the group ahead on every hole and was never out of position or put on the clock. She acknowledged not being as fast as her playing partners but underscored her desire to avoid six-hour rounds. She also used this opportunity to reiterate her stance on her playing schedule, clarifying that she is not fully retired but rather taking a more selective approach to her tournament appearances.
The “Not Full-Time” Schedule: Clarifying Her Career Path
The announcement at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open about stepping away from a full-time schedule was widely interpreted as retirement, a notion Thompson has since been keen to correct. She has repeatedly clarified that she never used the word “retire,” but rather stated her intention to play a reduced schedule. This distinction is crucial, as it indicates a shift in priorities rather than a complete departure from the sport.
Her motivations for this change appear to be multi-faceted. The relentless demands of a full LPGA Tour schedule, with constant travel and competition, can be mentally and physically taxing. By selecting fewer events, Thompson can presumably focus more intensely on those she chooses to play, manage her physical well-being, and pursue other interests outside of competitive golf. Her decision to continue playing tournaments she “enjoys or wants to play in” suggests a desire for greater personal satisfaction and less of the rigorous grind that defines a full-time touring pro. This approach aligns with a growing trend among experienced athletes who prioritize longevity and quality of life over quantity of events.
Off-Course Ventures and Financial Standing
Lexi Thompson’s financial success is not solely dependent on her on-course winnings. Her significant career earnings of over $12.6 million on the LPGA Tour are augmented by a robust portfolio of endorsements. As a prominent and popular figure in women’s golf, she has attracted numerous sponsors eager to align with her image of power, athleticism, and resilience.
Beyond golf-related endorsements, Thompson has also ventured into entrepreneurship. She is the founder of “Lexi Skin,” a skincare line, showcasing her interest in business beyond the golf course. This diversification of her interests and income streams provides her with greater flexibility in her career choices and financial stability. While an exact net worth for 2025 is not publicly confirmed, estimates from 2022 placed her net worth between $2-7 million, with annual earnings from golf and endorsements in the millions. Her continued endorsements, such as the recent partnership with Empower in April 2025, indicate that her marketability remains strong even with a reduced playing schedule.
Impact and Legacy
Lexi Thompson’s impact on women’s golf extends far beyond her statistics. She has been a trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of power and athleticism in the women’s game. Her aggressive, attacking style of play has inspired many young golfers and entertained countless fans. She has consistently been a face of the LPGA Tour, participating in marketing campaigns and engaging with fans globally.
Her decision to step back from a full-time schedule, while initially causing some confusion, is also setting a new precedent for how elite athletes can manage their careers. It underscores the importance of mental and physical well-being and the evolving understanding of what a “successful” career in professional sports can look like. By choosing to play a reduced schedule, she retains her connection to the game and her fans, while also prioritizing her personal life.
FAQs about Lexi Thompson
Is Lexi Thompson retired from professional golf?
No, Lexi Thompson has clarified that she is not fully retired. While she announced at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open that she would be stepping away from a “full-time” touring schedule after the 2024 season, she intends to play a reduced schedule in 2025 and beyond, focusing on select tournaments and major championships. She has directly addressed assumptions about her full retirement, stating, “Retired from full time…get it right.”
How many professional wins does Lexi Thompson have?
Lexi Thompson has a total of 15 professional wins. This includes 11 LPGA Tour victories and 2 Ladies European Tour wins, along with other professional titles. Her most significant victory is her major championship win at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship (now the Chevron Championship).
What are Lexi Thompson’s career earnings?
As of early June 2025, Lexi Thompson has accumulated over $12.6 million in career earnings on the LPGA Tour, placing her among the top earners in the history of women’s golf. Her overall net worth is augmented by significant endorsement deals with major brands.
What are some of the major controversies involving Lexi Thompson?
One of the most notable controversies in Lexi Thompson’s career was the four-stroke penalty she received during the final round of the 2017 ANA Inspiration. This penalty, incurred for incorrectly replacing her ball on the green during an earlier round and reported by a TV viewer, significantly impacted the outcome of the tournament, which she eventually lost in a playoff. More recently, in June 2025, she faced criticism for her pace of play at the U.S. Women’s Open, which she addressed publicly on Instagram, stating her group was never out of position and that she was not intentionally playing slowly.
What Lies Ahead for Lexi Thompson
As Lexi Thompson navigates this new phase of her career, the golfing world watches with keen interest. Her decision to reduce her playing schedule reflects a desire for a better work-life balance, a sentiment increasingly echoed by professional athletes across various sports. Her continued presence at select tournaments, especially major championships, ensures that fans will still have opportunities to witness her formidable talent.
Whether she aims for more major victories or simply seeks to enjoy the game on her own terms, Lexi Thompson remains a significant figure in women’s golf. Her journey, from record-breaking prodigy to an established veteran redefining her engagement with the sport, provides an inspiring narrative of resilience, adaptability, and an enduring passion for the game. Her candidness regarding recent criticisms further solidifies her authentic connection with her audience, ensuring her continued relevance and appeal in the ever-evolving landscape of professional golf.
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