Lexi Thompson Opens Up About Finding Balance After Leaving Full-Time Golf

Almost a year ago, Lexi Thompson, an accomplished golfer with 11 LPGA victories, announced her decision to step away from being a full-time player. At that time, Thompson was just 29 years old and cited mental health as a significant factor in her choice.

In her statement, Thompson expressed the challenges faced by professional athletes, saying, “A lot of people don’t realize … what we go through as a professional athlete. I’ll be the last one to say ‘throw me a pity party.’ That’s the last thing I want. But we’re doing what we love. We’re trying the best every single day, and we’re not perfect. We’re human, words hurt and it’s hard to overcome sometimes.”

Reflecting on her decision nearly a year later, Thompson reveals that she has no regrets about stepping back from the rigorous demands of professional golf.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, she shared her experiences since leaving full-time competition, stating, “It’s been very relaxing. A lot more time for myself, my family, friends, recently engaged, it’s nice to be able to have a life balance now. I’ve been a professional since I was 15 but in the golf world since I was seven. I’m excited to just be able to explore other things that life has to offer.”

Thompson emphasized that she remains comfortable with her decision, indicating plans to play sporadically rather than competitively full-time. “I still plan on playing here and there, but more sporadically and more on my time. I’m just trying to find my love for the game again,” she explained. She noted that golf has been a central part of her life since childhood, and her dedication to the sport led her to pursue perfection. Yet, she acknowledged the inherent challenges in achieving this ideal.

“It’s something that’s been a part of my life since I was little. I‘ve always loved the competitive side of it and was always driven to be perfect at golf, but you can never be perfect at golf. So it’s an ongoing learning challenge. Sometimes that can be very difficult. But yeah, it’s been a good decision for me. Mentally, I’m more at peace, and that way when I do tee it up, it’s events I look forward to, and that I feel like my game is ready,” Thompson said.

Thompson’s decision to step back comes as women’s sports continue to grow in visibility and popularity. The golfing landscape has seen new talents like Nelly Korda and Rose Zhang rise to prominence, and this new generation often sparks discussions about the responsibilities of established players to promote the sport.

However, Thompson emphasizes that personal well-being should take precedence over external expectations. “I think there’s always the outside pressures and expectations from the world and just people in the golfing industry. But I think what’s most important, you just have to focus on yourself and why I got involved in the game in the first place and my dreams and everything. So can’t really let anybody else’s expectations of you get in the way of that. So, of course there’s outside noise, but you just kind of have to ignore it,” she shared.

Despite stepping away from full-time competition, Thompson remains actively involved in the golf community. She is working to promote the sport to amateur players, offering them opportunities to participate in thrilling contests, including a chance to win an exciting 29-night cruise.

Thompson’s journey highlights a critical narrative in the world of sports: the importance of mental health and personal well-being. As she continues to navigate her relationship with golf, her focus remains on balance, fulfillment, and rediscovering her passion for a sport she has dedicated much of her life to.

In a time when pressures mount for young athletes to perform and succeed, Thompson’s story serves as a reminder that stepping back can often lead to deeper insights and a greater appreciation for what one loves.

Overall, Lexi Thompson’s experience resonates beyond the golf course, offering valuable lessons on the impact of mental health on athletic performance and the significance of prioritizing personal happiness in a demanding environment.