'It's time' - Thompson to retire at the age of 29

Lexi Thompson has confirmed she will retire at the end of the 2024 LPGA Tour season.

Thompson, 29, has won 15 times since turning professional in 2010 and secured her only major title in the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship – now renamed the Chevron Championship.

The American, who has represented her country in six Solheim Cups as well as two Olympic Games, became the youngest ever qualifier for the US Women’s Open in 2007, when aged 12.

She also set an LPGA Tour record as its youngest winner when she claimed the Navistar LPGA Classic as a 16 year-old. Both records have since been broken.

In a statement on Instagram, Thompson said: “While it is never easy to say goodbye, it is indeed time.

“At the end of 2024, I will be stepping away from a full professional golf schedule.

“I’m excited to enjoy the remainder of the year as there are still goals I want to accomplish.”

Thompson, whose announcement comes just two days before her scheduled 18th appearance at the US Women’s Open, added: “Golf has been my life ever since I was five years old, tournaments when I was seven.

“I haven’t really known much of a different life, but it’s been an amazing one.

“This sport has taught me a lot, and I’ve learned so much along the way, built so many friendships and relationships. I’m looking forward to what life has in store.”

Thompson who is known for her aggressive and powerful style of play on the course and her graciousness towards fans off it, became the seventh woman to compete on the men’s PGA Tour when she participated in the 2023 Shriners Children’s Open but missed the cut by two strokes.

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A permanent fixture in the top 10 of the world rankings between 2013-2022, Thompson has dropped down to 54 in recent times while struggling with a hand injury.

However, she remains determined to be part of Stacy Lewis’ team when the United States host Europe in September at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, for the 19th edition of the Solheim Cup.

“Number one is to definitely be on the Solheim Cup team,” Thompson said. “[It’s a] huge honour just to represent my country and play alongside the team there and my captain; definitely that.

“Every tournament I tee it up, I want to win, still. Doesn’t matter what position I’m at, I want to win and just enjoy the ride and keep on seeing improvements.”

World number one Nelly Korda added: “I’ve gotten to be on the team with her a couple times representing our country. I think she does an amazing job for the Tour.”

Meanwhile, LPGA tour commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said: “Lexi’s impact extends far beyond the golf course.

“[Her] remarkable career and the way she has conducted herself both on and off the course have inspired countless girls around the world to pursue their goals with passion and perseverance.”

(BBC)