Lexi Thompson Shares a Personal Note on ‘Ongoing Challenges’ After Surviving Mental Health Struggles
As each LPGA tournament passes, Lexi Thompson edges closer to her retirement. This year, at the US Women’s Open, Thompson officially announced her decision to retire. Following this, there has been speculation that her decision might be influenced by the mental struggles which she has openly discussed from time to time. However, before saying goodbye to the professional greens, the golfer is savoring and cherishing every moment. In addition to enjoying her remaining time, she has tips to share with the future generation about mental struggles and more before she retires from the greens!
What are Lexi Thompson’s tips for future generations?
Thompson has dealt with mental health challenges, which could be a factor influencing her decision to retire. She spoke about it in May this year, expressing, “Just staying true to myself. Being out here can be overwhelming. It can feel lonely.” Coming to the third round of the Meijer LPGA Classic, she finds herself tied for T2, thanks to her six birdies and one eagle. During the press conference following this remarkable round, she discussed more than just her performance on the course.
When asked, “You’ve been pretty open about your struggles with your mental issues and physical appearance You are now a PGA ambassador for the youngsters. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to them if they want to choose to compete as you have done?” The response to this question from the 29-year-old was pretty straightforward, as she said, “Yeah, I always say any advice that I give young kids getting involved with the game is just to keep on enjoying it. Golf can be a hard game sometimes because it can never be perfected.”
This is coming from a golfer who has been playing the game since she was 12 years old. Pointing out that golf is a journey of never-ending lessons, Thompson further added, “It’s always an ongoing challenge and learning process. So it’s a matter of giving yourself grace in those hard times and not getting too hard on yourself. There will be great days and some bad days as well.”
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With six Solheim Cup appearances and 18 starts at the US Women’s Open, Lexi Thompson has amassed considerable experience in her career. And from each experience, the golfer has learned something that she is now passing on to the next generations. Later, the 29-year-old concluded her statement, “It’s an ongoing process, but just find the love for the game and keep on loving it and just be grateful for the opportunity to be able to have a club in your hand.” When it comes to enjoying tournaments, the crowd plays a significant role. Does she have anything to say about them as well? Indeed, she does!
Fans provide extra “stretch” to Lexi Thompson on the greens
During the first two rounds of the Meijer LPGA Classic, the golfer talked about the crowd at Blythefield Country Club. Later, coming to the conference after the third round, she came across the question, “You were just talking about the fans there. Did they give you an extra lift going through that stretch?” Throughout her career, the golfer has spent most of her time surrounded by fans and fellow LPGA pros.
This was the same this time as well, as she responded, “Yeah, they always do, good or bad. I think the fans are probably the best here. We get some amazing crowds and big crowds, which is great to see. But, yeah, when I was on my stretch, they were running to the next hole, that’s for sure. It’s just great to see everybody out here supporting women’s golf.” It is evident that Lexi Thompson is enjoying her remaining time on the greens while appreciating every little moment she can. Do you think she can make this tournament more memorable by winning? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
