Lexi Thompson Retires from LPGA Tour

Lexi Thompson, a prominent figure in women's golf, bid an emotional farewell to full-time play on the LPGA Tour during the CME Group Tour Championship, where she shot a closing 74 and finished tied for 49th. After announcing her retirement earlier in the year, Thompson reflected on her 13-year career, marked by both triumphs, including 11 LPGA wins and a major title, and challenges such as a controversial penalty incident in 2017. Her final round was bittersweet as she was disappointed to finish on the ninth hole instead of the 18th due to the tournament's scheduling for TV coverage. Thompson expressed her feelings of loneliness in golf and her desire to spend more time with loved ones post-retirement. Despite her struggles, she has left a lasting impact on the sport, having qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open at just 12 years old and competing in seven Solheim Cups. Fans and fellow competitors showered her with applause and flowers as she completed her last hole, marking the end of an era in LPGA history.