Lexi Thompson’s recent farewell from full-time professional golf has reignited a conversation about the treatment and visibility of women’s golf within the larger sports arena. Thompson, a storied competitor on the LPGA Tour, concluded her career in a setting that was, regrettably, low-key and devoid of the celebratory atmosphere it rightly deserved. While the LPGA season ended with the thrilling CME Group Tour Championship, where Jeeno Thitikul from Thailand clinched victory, the format changes made for the final day were consistently criticized.
An extensive 14-year journey as a professional golfer culminated in Thompson finishing her final round among less-than-ideal circumstances. Despite her remarkable history and dedication to the sport, she was sequence to compete in threesomes instead of the previously refreshing two-ball format due to broadcasting requirements. When her final round took place, Thompson found herself playing on the less celebrated ninth green, contrasting sharply with the grandeur a golfer of her stature deserves.
Thompson’s frustration was palpable as the final round was engineered to fit into a television window, ultimately prioritizing the men’s PGA Tour coverage over her goodbye. Even at the age of 29, her achievements as an eleven-time LPGA tour winner and history maker—having become the youngest player to qualify for the US Open at just twelve years old—merit recognition and acknowledgment, rather than sidestepping for television benefits.
The adjustments made for the tournament seemingly sidelined Thompson during a moment that should have served as a tribute to her impressive career, revealing a systemic issue within professional sports—especially regarding how women’s events are treated as secondary. “I’m bummed I won’t be able to embrace all the incredible fans on 18… pretty sad when you’re at –4 and you won’t even finish on 18,” Thompson expressed on social media prior to her last round, illustrating the disappointment felt by not only her but also her supporters.
Thompson has indeed left an indelible mark on competitive golfing. While her major victories might pale in comparison to some of her male counterparts, her presence and fan engagement have always been noteworthy. Her failure to prevail in major tournaments highlighted her vulnerabilities, making her story all the more compelling. Despite some missteps, including a notable incident at the 2017 ANA Inspiration where she was penalized for misplacing her ball, Thompson remained a fan favorite and an inspiration for aspiring golfers.
Moreover, Thompson participated in seven Solheim Cups and played a critical role in several victories, evidencing her significance within women’s golf. Emphasizing her charisma, an AIG Women’s Open fan stated, “I just love watching her. She’s so much more than just a great golfer.” Thompson’s appeal transcends mere statistics; her connection with fans has always been genuine, both on and off the course.
As she transitions away from full-time competition, conversations around media visibility and equivalent treatment for women’s sports gain traction. Terry Duffy, CEO of the CME Group, raised valid concerns, criticizing the decision to delay the live coverage of the championship’s third round, calling it “inappropriate for a tournament of this magnitude.” He insisted that women’s sports require the same premium billing as their male counterparts, a sentiment that echoes through the narratives of many female athletes.
While Thompson will continue to participate in tournaments, her full-time career chapter has concluded—underscoring the necessity for the sports industry to honor female athletes’ contributions with the recognition they rightfully deserve. The closing of Thompson’s career encapsulates broader systemic issues in gender equity within the sports realm, demanding attention as the sport evolves. The failure to shine a light on Thompson’s farewell at such a prominent event acts not just as a personal loss but as an indictment of the industry’s ongoing need for reform in its treatment of women’s sports.
