Lexi Thompson is gearing up for her return to the LPGA Tour, making headlines as one of golf's most talked-about comebacks. After taking a step back from her professional career citing the pressures and loneliness inherent to the sport, the 29-year-old star plans to play at least two major tournaments this year, including the Chevron Championship and the KPMG Women’s PGA.
The golfer, who shocked the golf world with her retirement announcement last year, revealed she needed to prioritize her mental health and personal well-being. "Just staying true to myself. Being out here can be a lot. It can be lonely," Thompson expressed during a press conference at Lancaster Country Club. Her words highlighted the emotional challenges she faced throughout her career, starting from when she became pro at just 15 years old. The constant scrutiny and spotlight had taken its toll.
Thompson's break allowed her to focus on herself, engage with her family, and even plan her future—she announced her recent engagement to Max Provost, which brought her joy amid the professional challenges. During her time away from competitive golf, the former LPGA champion also emphasized the importance of mental health. "It’s OK to not be OK," she remarked, advocating for self-care and recognizing when to seek help.
Returning to the greens has already shown promise. Starting the 2025 season at the Founders Cup, Thompson demonstrated her renewed passion and skill with a commendable 2-under 69. Stacy Lewis, her playing partner, noted, "(Thompson) looks great, more in control, and just hitting her irons muchbetter than most of what I saw last year." Such validation speaks volumes, not only about Thompson's ability but her mental resilience.
Despite being ranked 55th in the Rolex Rankings, Thompson is firmly positioned to make waves at this year’s major events. The LPGA Tour will see her aiming for the U.S. Women’s Open, adding to the excitement of her re-integration to this competitive arena. Golf enthusiasts and analysts alike are invigorated by the prospect of her comeback, curious to witness how much she has refined her game during her hiatus.
Thompson’s story serves as both inspiration and insight—an athlete’s balancing act between ambition and well-being. By prioritizing her mental health, she has not only stepped away from the frenetic pace of the tour, but she has also returned stronger, emphasizing the need for self-health acknowledgment among athletes.
Reflecting on the challenges faced when performing at such high levels, Thompson’s experiences resonate with many still grappling with similar issues behind the scenes. With her return now imminent, the golf world is abuzz with speculation: Can Lexi Thompson reclaim her elite status on the LPGA Tour? Her upcoming appearances will not only serve as personal milestones but also provide insight on the industry’s need for greater awareness surrounding mental health.
The golf community, having supported her since her initial announcement, awaits her performances with bated breath, ready to welcome back one of their own. Thompson’s narrative is not just about golf; it offers lessons on resilience, identity, and the importance of prioritizing mental health—a narrative sure to leave its mark not just on the LPGA but beyond.