Complicated. That is what Lexi Thompson said about her relationship with golf. Interestingly, she might say the same thing when asked about her association with the media as well. But if one were to observe her relationship with her fans, her disposition would take a complete U-turn. Doubtful? Well, then, take a look at all the times she turned to the crowd, especially her young fans, after a game.
“Everyone loves Lexi,” said Brooke Henderson after the first round of the 2024 Dow Championship in an interview. The golfer was talking about the number of fans that came out to watch the two play the event, especially at the back nine. The fans seem to come first for the American athlete. But the same cannot be said for her and golf, especially the media!
via Getty
PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS – JANUARY 28: Lexi Thompson of the United States hits a tee shot on the fourth hole during round three of the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic on January 28, 2017 in Paradise Island, Bahamas. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“You haven’t always been easy on me, or fair, for that matter,” said Thompson in her retirement announcement while alluding to the sport. One can’t really blame the golfer for sporting such a belief. Especially if we take a look at the defeat back at the 2017 ANA Inspiration, where she finished T2. The pro had also faced much criticism from the media and the community for shifting her ball to a different spot and carding a 15-inch putt.
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Lexi Thompson then declined to visit the media center for the interview, leaving the community surprised. But this wasn’t the only time she did something like this. Back at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open, the golfer, after finishing T3, declined the televised interview. She then turned to her fans after giving a brief emotional address to the moderator.
The image of her signing autographs for the fans raked in much response from the community. There were both good and bad reactions, with the latter proving the heavy burden she was carrying in the form of extreme scrutiny. However, the moment and the love she received from the fans for turning towards them brought to light the popularity she had garnered via her actions. Something she will surely miss after retirement.
Lexi Thompson’s unwavering popularity with LPGA Tour fans
“I think the fans have… pushed me to get through the hardest times,” replied the LPGA Tour Pro when asked what she will miss the most after her retirement. She also mentioned how they make the bad days much better; “Seeing the little kids, little boys, and girls, even out here, it’s an amazing feeling… Yeah, I definitely will miss the fans.” No wonder she received one of the circuit’s top honors, The Founders Award, in 2023 for embodying the spirit of the game.
Lexi Thompson even stated how much she wished for the young followers to look up to her. She said, “That’s what we want, to be a role model for these little kids, get them involved in the game, whether that’s professionally or just for fun.” Well, it truly is a contrasting attitude she has toward the media, on one hand, and the fans, on the other. And it’s not surprising she declined to comment to the media on her shank at the 18th hole at the 2023 Solheim Cup. Well, she probably won’t miss the media after retirement!