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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