The LPGA Tour took center stage last weekend at the JM Eagle LA Championship, held at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California. Among the competitors was golf prodigy and mental health advocate, Lexi Thompson. While the tournament didn’t end the way she had hoped, Thompson continues to be a powerful presence in the sport—demonstrating the strength it takes to balance elite competition with mental well-being. Her journey, both on and beyond the LPGA Tour, continues to inspire the next generation of women athletes.
Thompson's Journey in LPGA
Thompson grew up in a family of golfers, with both of her brothers competing professionally on the PGA Tour. At just 12 years old, she became the youngest athlete to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to the sport. By 15, she made history by winning the Navistar LPGA Classic, becoming the youngest golfer ever to win a LPGA tournament. Her success continued with 11 LPGA Tour victories throughout her career. In addition to her accomplishments on tour, Thompson is also an Olympian, having represented the United States at both the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Despite all of her early success, in May 2024, Thompson announced her retirement from professional golf. She cited mental health as one of her reasons for her decision. "Since I was 12, as a golfer, my life has been a whirlwind of constant attention, scrutiny and pressure. The cameras are always on, capturing every swing and every moment on and off the golf course,” Thompson said.
How Thompson Knows When to Take a Break
After a 14-year career, Thompson reflected on her journey with vulnerability and honesty. “I think ever since I was super young, I have held a lot in,” Thompson said. “It's kind of like the time I'm actually letting myself feel those emotions and actually be real.” Like many athletes, Thompson had been conditioned to see emotional expression as a sign of weakness. But over time, the pressure and the weight of unspoken struggles began to build. Eventually, emotions bubbled to the surface, and they can't stay buried forever.
“There are more things to life than going to a tournament every week and doing the same training every day.”
Thompson recognized that she had reached a breaking point and was ready to release what she had long held inside. For her, that meant stepping away from golf to prioritize her mental health and well-being. “There are more things to life than going to a tournament every week and doing the same training every day,” Thompson added.
Balance and Mental Health
As athletes, we experience a wide range of emotions—from loneliness and anxiety to the constant pressure to perform. At times, holding it all together can feel impossible. “By opening up about my battles, I've been able to connect with others who feel isolated in their struggles, offering them a sense of community and understanding,” Thompson shared. Her message is clear: It’s okay to not be okay.
Finding balance is essential for longevity in any sport. “There are more important things than just playing good golf,” she said. In stepping away from full-time competition, Thompson made the conscious choice to prioritize her mental health—spending more time with loved ones and, just as importantly, with herself. “I'm just looking forward to what life has in store other than golf,” she added.
Now, Thompson has returned with renewed strength and clarity. She lives a more balanced lifestyle, one that supports both her game and her well-being. While continuing to compete on the LPGA Tour, Thompson also serves as a powerful advocate for mental health in athletics. Through her journey, she reminds us all that maintaining mental wellness is not only vital—it’s what makes sustained success in sport truly possible.
