Lexi Thompson receives surprising backing from PGA tour champion amid retirement criticism

In a stunning twist in the world of professional golf, Lexi Thompson has found herself at the center of controversy following her decision to step back from the LPGA’s full-time schedule. In May 2024, during the U.S. Women’s Open, Thompson announced what many perceived as her retirement from the sport, leaving fans and critics alike to speculate whether this was indeed the end for the 11-time LPGA champion. However, a year later, Thompson teed up for 13 tournaments in 2025, leaving many scratching their heads over the veracity of her retirement claims.

The skepticism surrounding her decision has not gone unnoticed, and PGA Tour star Max Homa has emerged as a vocal supporter of Thompson. During a recent episode of the We Need a Fourth podcast, Homa passionately defended Thompson, stating, “Lexi Thompson got a lot of grief last year for retiring. She’s 29. It’s like a half retirement. And everyone’s like, ‘Oh, it must be nice to retire when you’re 29.’ I’m like, ‘Well, if you’re just using my age… I’ve been doing this seriously since I was 10. So, 24 years at a company is a pretty good run before you get sick of it.’” His comments underscore the rigorous demands of a career in professional golf, especially for someone like Thompson, who has been in the spotlight since her early teens.

Thompson’s journey in golf began at the tender age of 12 when she qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open in 2007. By 15, she had turned pro and quickly made a name for herself, winning her first LPGA event at just 16. This impressive timeline reveals that by the time she announced her so-called retirement, she had already spent nearly 18 years in the competitive arena. Despite Homa’s defense, the backlash from her peers did not wane. LPGA veteran Mel Reid was particularly vocal, criticizing the manner in which Thompson’s announcement was handled. Reid argued, “If you’re not going to play a full schedule, just don’t,” highlighting the confusion that arose from Thompson’s press conference and the subsequent headlines questioning her commitment to the sport.

In response to the criticism, Thompson took to Instagram to clarify her position, stating, “I’m not sure how many times I’ll have to repeat this… I never used the word retire; I said not a full-time schedule because I’m not sure how much I will play. Just taking it one at a time. That’s why I’m still playing the tournaments.” She expressed a desire to step away from the relentless demands of a full-time schedule, seeking a balance that would allow her to continue playing golf while enjoying a sense of freedom.

As the dust settled, Thompson demonstrated that her approach may indeed be the key to unlocking her potential. Her performance improved markedly after the announcement, with a T14 finish at The Chevron Championship and a T12 at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, showcasing a newfound freedom in her game that fans had not witnessed in years. The highlight of her season came during the Dow Championship, where she and partner Megan Khang formed a team dubbed ‘Biggie Smalls.’ They delivered a thrilling final-round 60 to force a playoff, ultimately falling short to Jin Hee Im, but the excitement was palpable.

Despite some setbacks, including missed cuts at the U.S. Women’s Open and the CPKC Women’s Open, Thompson’s commitment to enjoying the game shone through. As she looks ahead, the 30-year-old is gearing up for a transformative 2026, both personally and professionally. Having recently gotten engaged to Max Provost during a trip in January 2025, the couple is busy planning their wedding for March 2026, adding another layer of joy to Thompson’s life beyond the golf course.

As Lexi Thompson navigates her dual journey of personal happiness and professional challenges, the golf world watches closely, eager to see how this remarkable athlete continues to redefine her career.