Is Lexi Thompson retiring after the AIG Women’s Open? Major champion shares an update
Lexi Thompson announced her retirement last May, although she always left the door open for a timely return to certain tournaments. At the time, Thompson said she was retiring from a "full professional golf schedule."
The same idea was confirmed by Thompson when asked about her retirement at her pre-AIG Women's Open press conference at St. Andrews. Thompson said she has not ruled out playing in a couple of Majors next season.
This was part of what Lexi Thompson had to say (via Golf Monthly):
"I've thought about it. There's a few [majors] that I'm obviously in, but yeah, I haven't put too much thought into it. Going into next year, I'm going to take some time off and just see how I feel, see how I feel mentally and where I'm at."
She added:
"But I know I have a few majors if I want to be able to tee it up there and get my game ready. But yeah, we'll see. I haven't really thought about this being my last because there's more opportunities next year if I wanted."
Lexi Thompson also spoke about the possibility of returning to the American team for the 2024 Solheim Cup. She said she was "very hungry" to make the team under Stacy Lewis:
"Very hungry. Anytime I can represent my country, it's my No. 1 goal to be on this team. That's nothing like it. I feel like it brings out an energy and talent from all of us players that fans don't see every week."
Lexi Thompson has played in 12 LPGA Tour events in 2024, making seven cuts. She has four top-10 finishes, including a tie for second at the Meijer LPGA Classic.
What Majors is Lexi Thompson eligible to play in 2025?
The 2024 AIG Women's Open doesn't have to be Thompson's last Major. She is currently eligible to play in several such tournaments in 2025 and even further down the road.
The most obvious case in point is the Chevron Championship. Her victory in that tournament in 2014 earned her a lifetime exemption to the field. Therefore, it is her decision whether or not to play at Carlton Woods.
Thompson is currently (as of August 2024) ranked 36th on the LPGA Tour's official money list. If she finishes the season in the top 50, she would qualify directly for the 2025 US Women's Open.
Another possibility for Thompson is the Women's PGA Championship, as she finished in the top 10 in the 2024 edition.
Thompson's record in Major championships (not counting the 2024 AIG Women's Open) includes 65 appearances with 50 cuts. In addition to her win at the 2014 Chevron Championship, she has 19 other top-10 finishes, including four runner-up efforts.