Life begins at 30

Lexi Thompson is the latest female golfer to step away from a full-time playing career at an early age, with tour golf still part of her life, but a much less prominent one

- Words Alison Root Photography Getty Images

Last year, Lexi Thompson stunned the golf world by announcing her ‘retirement’ from the LPGA Tour. At 29, she played what was expected to be her final tournament for a good while at the Grant Thornton Invitational in December, where she teamed up with fellow Cobra Puma ambassador Rickie Fowler.

The demands of full-time professional golf had started to take their toll. “I realised there’s more to life than just professional golf. It was a lot at times and not worth putting myself through the stress sometimes,” Thompson admitted.

“It had been on my mind leading up to the Women’s US Open, a tournament where my career had launched and where I realised I wanted to play professionally, so there was no better place to announce that I was stepping away from full-time golf than at that tournament.”

This is hardly surprising given that Thompson, who turned 30 in February, embarked on her 14th season on the LPGA Tour in 2024. And let’s not forget that she began her golf journey at an exceptionally early age when, at 12, she became the youngest player ever to qualify for the US Women’s Open before joining the professional ranks at just 15 years of age.

Growing up, golf consumed Thompson's life. She was homeschooled and made numerous childhood sacrifices to pursue her ambition of becoming one of the world’s best. She acknowledges that her dedication was a mindset not suitable for every kid; she prioritised playing golf over other experiences, choosing not to attend college and explore various social aspects.