Semi-Retired Lexi Thompson Announces Next Move After Reduced LPGA Schedule Doesn’t Go as Planned

Lexi Thompson made her 3 start on the LPGA Tour this year at the JM Eagle LA Championship, the $3.75 million event. But the 2014 Chevron Championship winner was in for a tough outing since she failed to make the cut at the El Caballero Country Club, finishing with a score of 2 under par. The cutline was 4 under par.

It is a disappointing finish for the American golfer, who has been very sporadic about taking part in the LPGA Tour this season after her announcement last year. “Golf is just a game. As frustrating as it can be, there is more to life.” Thompson had initially stated. This statement indicated a full retirement, but the golfer later clarified her thoughts.

At the Grant Thornton Invitational in 2024, the 29-year-old golfer made her thoughts clear. “It’s just great to be back here this week. I did say [I’m retiring] just from a full-time schedule. Just going to take that time for myself, spend it with my family and friends, and really just decompress and make sure that if or when I do decide to play, that I’m ready and I’m in a good mind space.”

Well, her sporadic time on the golf course has not been exactly fruitful. And guess what? In her latest Instagram post, she outlined her experience at the JM Eagle LA Championship. “2nd pic sums it up…can’t say it’s a great feeling working hard to not see results, but won’t stop me for the times I do play this year. Thanks so much to the sponsors, volunteers and fans this week at the @jmeaglelachamp !” The caption read.

The 11-time LPGA winner did have a frustrating two days. Starting day 2 on even par, after a bogey and birdie on day 1, Thompson ended up double bogeying her fourth hole of the day and bogeying the fifth, leaving herself a mountain to climb. Despite a flurry of six birdies post the bogey, it was too little, too late. Thompson left herself needing two more strokes to progress.

It could be the rust from not having played enough as well. She has only featured in two other events this year, the Founders Cup in February where she finished T13 with a score of 9 under par and the Ford Championship in March, where she finished T38 with a score of 11 under par. And now, at the JM Eagle LA Championship, she has missed the cut.

There is a downward trend that she will have to address if she wants her post- semi retirement golfing life to be smooth and that could mean appearing in a few more events if necessary. Especially considering that her peers are enjoying a good stretch of success.

The finely poised JM Eagle LA Championship

While Lexi Thompson missed the cut, there are several other big names firmly in the running. World No.1 Nelly Korda and No.2 Jeeno Thitikul are currently T12 with a score of 9 under par. Also, Australian golfer Hannah Green and Chinese golfer Jin Young Ko are T20 with a score of 8 under par. Japanese pro Ayaka Furue is T61 with a score of 4 under par, barely making the cut.

Some big names have missed the cut as well. World No.5 Lilia Vu could only manage an even par score. While young prodigy and amateur American golfer Asterisk Talley scored 3 under par, missing the cut by just a single stroke. Canadian starlet Brooke Henderson also joined Lexi Thompson in a disappointing outing, scoring 3 under par.

Do you think Lexi can bounce back in any of the upcoming events she participates? If so, what is the key for doing that: regular participation?