Lexi Thompson has slammed the LPGA Tour for giving her a “pretty sad” ending to her career as a full-time professional golfer.
The season-ending $11m CME Group Tour Championship was Thompson’s last event as a full time LPGA Tour player as she bid farewell to professional golf aged just 29.
However, the LPGA Tour decided that Sunday’s final round would be played as a shotgun start meaning that instead of enjoying an emotional embrace on the 18th green, Lexi finished in the relatively quiet atmosphere on the 9th, very much away from the spotlight.
“Pretty sad when you’re at –4 in the season-ending event, which could easily be the last CME of your career, and you won’t even finish on 18 because they decide to double tee on the final day due to TV coverage window,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Bummed I won’t be able to embrace all the incredible fans on 18 tomorrow as I finish, hopefully some will be out there on 9.
“But just know I’m grateful for you all.”
Thompson wasn’t going to bow out in a blaze of glory, ranking 30th in the event heading into the final round, nine shots behind eventual winner Jean Thitikul.
After three days of playing in pairs, the LPGA Tour opted for three-balls with tee times spread out from holes one to ten.
Thompson, an eleven time winner on tour teed off from the 10th hole.
The former major champion enjoyed a stellar fourteen year career, which also included six US Solheim Cup appearances and she was visibly emotional in her post round interview.
“The fans support means more to me than anything else. Ever since I first came out on Tour I wanted to be someone who gave back to the game, to make an impact on the boys and girls getting into golf. I will cherish the memories.”
Thompson’s retirement isn’t a complete shut down, she will still play a handful of LPGA Tour events in the future, including the Grant Thornton in December but this is most likely her final CME appearance.
“It was very emotional. Really wasn’t until I got to No. 9 for some reason. Kind of all hit me.
“Yeah, it’s just always a special week regardless if it was my last tournament as a full time schedule or not. I always have so much family and friends and the fans are unbelievable here.
“It’s kind of a home town event being from Florida so always held a special place in my heart. Yeah, it’s a memory that I’ll always cherish forever, always coming here. It’s not the game that I wanted to play, but there is more important things.
“I’ve just launched my Lexi fitness app, so that will take up some of my time, and the rest I just want to spend it with those who matter the most, my friends and family. Maybe learn a few new hobbies, travel and not just for golf, but to explore and make memories.”