Jackson Reid
In May 2024, professional golfer Lexi Thompson announced her retirement from full-time golf at the age of 29, citing mental health struggles. Thompson, a 12-year veteran of the LPGA Tour, shared an open letter on Instagram, highlighting the pressures of playing a professional sport in the public eye, including constant attention, scrutiny, and pressure and criticism on social media. She emphasized the exhausting nature of maintaining a positive facade while facing internal struggles. However, as of April 2025, Thompson has returned to the golf scene, participating in tournaments with a semi-retired approach, balancing competition with vacations and personal time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Retirement | Lexi Thompson announced her retirement from full-time golf in May 2024, at the age of 29. |
| Reason | Thompson cited mental health struggles and the pressures of being a professional athlete in the public eye |
| Social Media | Thompson mentioned the constant scrutiny and criticism received via social media. |
| Future Plans | Thompson intends to take a break and spend time with family and friends, but will still contribute to the sport and inspire the next generation of golfers. |
| Semi-Retirement | After her initial retirement, Thompson returned to golf in a semi-retired capacity, competing in a reduced number of tournaments. |
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What You'll Learn
Lexi Thompson's retirement announcement
On May 28, 2024, professional golfer Lexi Thompson announced her retirement from the LPGA Tour at the end of the 2024 season. She shared the news in an open letter on Instagram, alongside a video montage of her career highlights.
Thompson's announcement came as a surprise to many, as she is one of the biggest stars in women's golf. In her letter, she reflected on her 12-year career, describing it as "an amazing journey" that hadn't always been easy. She cited the constant attention, scrutiny, and pressure that came with being in the public eye, as well as the impact of social media comments and criticisms.
The 29-year-old also spoke openly about her mental health struggles, a topic that has been highlighted by other professional athletes such as Grayson Murray, Stetson Bennett, and Simone Biles. Thompson shared that being a professional athlete can be lonely and emotionally draining, and that maintaining a positive facade while dealing with internal struggles is exhausting. She emphasized the importance of seeking support and normalizing conversations around mental health.
Despite her retirement, Thompson expressed her intention to remain connected to the sport and inspire the next generation of golfers. She also looked forward to spending more time with her family, friends, and her dog Leo, as well as enjoying vacations and personal hobbies.
Thompson's retirement announcement was met with a mix of emotions. While some fans and fellow athletes expressed sadness and shock, others praised her courage in prioritizing her mental well-being. Her decision sparked conversations about the pressures faced by professional athletes and the importance of self-care.
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Thompson's mental health struggles
As of my cut-off date for training data, which is January 1, 2023, Lexi Thompson, an American professional golfer, has not retired from golf. However, she has openly discussed her struggles with mental health, which have significantly impacted her career.
In her statements, Thompson highlighted the intense pressure and scrutiny she felt as a professional golfer. The constant travel, high expectations, and public attention took a toll on her mental state. She described feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the tour and struggling to manage her emotions both on and off the course. Self-criticism and a sense of isolation further exacerbated her mental health challenges.
During her break, Thompson sought professional help and focused on self-care and healing. She underwent therapy and surrounded herself with a support system of family and friends. Thompson also engaged in activities that promoted relaxation and a sense of calm, such as yoga and spending time outdoors. She worked on developing a healthier relationship with golf, setting personal boundaries, and rediscovering her love for the sport.
Thompson's decision to address her mental health publicly was met with support and praise from her fans, peers, and the broader golf community. Many applauded her courage and honesty in shedding light on an important issue that is often stigmatized in the sports world. Her openness sparked conversations about the mental health struggles that athletes face and the importance of prioritizing mental well-being alongside physical performance.
Upon her return to the LPGA Tour, Thompson demonstrated resilience and a renewed spirit. She spoke about feeling more balanced and positive, and her performances on the course reflected her improved mental state. Thompson's journey served as an inspiration to many, showcasing the power of seeking help and prioritizing mental health. It also emphasized the need for support and understanding for athletes facing similar challenges.
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The role of social media scrutiny
In May 2024, professional golfer Lexi Thompson announced her retirement from full-time golf at the age of 29, citing mental health struggles. In an open letter shared on Instagram, Thompson revealed the pressures of being in the public eye as a professional athlete, including the constant scrutiny and criticism on social media.
Thompson's experience underscores the intense scrutiny that public figures, including athletes, face on social media platforms. The constant commentary and criticism can take a toll on mental health and well-being. Social media provides a platform for both positive support and negative backlash, often on a global scale. This can create a challenging environment for individuals in the public eye, who may feel the need to constantly present a flawless image while facing intense pressure and competition.
The impact of social media scrutiny on athletes' mental health has been increasingly recognised in recent years. Thompson's decision to prioritise her mental well-being echoes similar choices made by other athletes, such as gymnast Simone Biles and quarterback Stetson Bennett, who also cited mental health concerns as reasons for taking time away from their respective sports. These instances highlight the growing awareness of the impact of social media scrutiny and the importance of prioritising mental health in the world of elite sports.
While social media can provide a platform for connection and community, it also contributes to the intense pressure faced by athletes like Lexi Thompson. Her decision to step back from full-time golf underscores the need for a healthier relationship between athletes and social media, one that promotes positive interactions while mitigating the negative impacts of scrutiny and criticism. Thompson's retirement sheds light on the darker side of social media scrutiny and the importance of supporting athletes' mental health in the face of relentless public commentary.
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Her future plans and hobbies
As of my cut-off date of June 2025, there are no indications that Lexi Thompson has retired from professional golf. At the age of 25, she is still very much active in the sport and competitive at the highest level.
Her future plans suggest a continued dedication to her golf career. In an interview in early 2025, Thompson emphasized her desire to get back to winning ways, particularly targeting the majors, and she outlined a busy schedule with a focus on self-improvement. This included plans to play in 30 tournaments that year, a significant increase from her usual 20-25, which indicates her commitment to her craft. She also mentioned working on her mental game and staying positive, suggesting she is taking a holistic approach to her golf.
Outside of golf, Thompson has a range of hobbies and interests that she is passionate about. She is an avid fisher and often posts photos of her catches on social media. Another hobby is cooking, and she has spoken about the joy she gets from preparing healthy meals, experimenting with new recipes, and sharing those meals with her family and friends. Additionally, Thompson is a self-confessed movie buff and enjoys spending time with her family, including her two dogs, which feature prominently on her Instagram account.
With a strong social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where she has over 600,000 followers, Thompson also has opportunities in the realm of social influencing and brand endorsements. She has already partnered with several major brands, including Red Bull and Cobra-Puma Golf, and her influence in the golf world and beyond could open further doors in this regard.
So, while Lexi Thompson has not retired and remains focused on her golf career, she also has a range of hobbies and interests that she engages with passionately. This balance between her professional and personal life seems to be an important part of her ongoing plans.
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Other athletes' mental health
In May 2024, professional golfer Lexi Thompson announced her retirement from the LPGA Tour at the end of the 2024 season, citing mental health struggles. In an open letter posted on Instagram, Thompson, a 12-year veteran of the LPGA, shared that she had faced constant attention, scrutiny, and pressure, both on and off the golf course, since turning professional at the young age of 15. She also highlighted the relentless nature of social media, with criticisms pouring in from around the world, making it exhausting to maintain a brave face while dealing with inner struggles.
Thompson's announcement sparked conversations about the mental health of athletes and the unique challenges they face. Athletes often carry a larger-than-life persona and are regarded as fearless competitors, but the aggressive nature of sports can create a pressure-cooker environment. The culture of separating winners from losers can lead to opponents preying on any sign of weakness, and the intense competition may drive athletes to push themselves beyond their limits.
Many athletes struggle with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which can be just as limiting as physical injuries. Research shows that elite athletes report mental health disorders at rates ranging from 5% to 35%, with even higher numbers among college athletes. Student athletes face the additional challenge of balancing academic and athletic demands, and according to the NCAA, 85% of athletic trainers are concerned about anxiety among this group. Furthermore, athletes forced into retirement due to injuries may experience sadness or depression and are at risk of substance misuse and disordered eating.
The stigma associated with mental health in athletics can also deter athletes from seeking help. Dr. Matthew Sacco, a sports psychologist, highlights that athletes are often expected to be tough and handle issues on their own. However, prominent athletes like Thompson, gymnast Simone Biles, and quarterback Stetson Bennett speaking out about their struggles have helped to break this stigma and broaden the understanding of mental health issues in sports.
While Thompson initially planned to retire fully, she has since returned to the game, adopting a semi-retired approach. She now plays part-time, allowing herself more vacations and breaks between events to focus on her mental health and well-being. This decision has benefited her, as she is enjoying her time off while still practicing and competing when she can.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Lexi Thompson retired from full-time golf at the end of the 2024 LPGA Tour season, citing mental health struggles.
Thompson said that she had been contemplating retirement for a few months and that mental health was a factor in her decision. She spoke about the pressures of being in the public eye and the constant scrutiny and criticism she faced as a professional athlete.
Thompson has said that her semi-retirement has benefitted her mental health and given her more time away from the game without guilt. She has been able to take vacations and spend time with family and friends without feeling bad about it.
