A South Florida native, pro golfer Lexi Thompson is not only chasing her dream, she’s living it. And giving back along the way.
It’s no wonder that fans look up to pro golfer Lexi Thompson. As one of the most recognizable faces on the LGPA tour, and with an impressive 11 wins under her belt, she signs scores of autographs at every appearance. Leaving a lasting impact on each child and adult who asks for her signature and a selfie, Lexi spends the time to interact with her fans because she understands that while she has a gift for the game, she also wants to use her platform to give back in a meaningful way.
Growing up in a South Florida family who loves golf affected her admiration for the game and her outlook on life from a very young age. Born in Coral Springs, she competed against her brothers Nicholas and Curtis, who have both played in the pros on the Korn Ferry Tour and the PGA Tour. At age 12, she was the youngest golfer ever to qualify to play in the U.S. Women’s Open and at age 15, she turned professional. “It was an amazing accomplishment qualifying at 12 years old. Being able to see the people that I looked up to and to be able to play with them was a great experience,” says Thompson, who cut her teeth playing at Eagle Trace Golf Club. “I have always been competitive. Growing up with two older brothers who turned professional athletes, our household was always very competitive.”
“IT WAS AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT QUALIFYING AT 12 YEARS OLD. BEING ABLE TO SEE THE PEOPLE THAT I LOOKED UP TO AND TO BE ABLE TO PLAY WITH THEM WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE.”
Now 28 years old and playing at the top of her game, Thompson can look back at everything she has achieved and appreciate it, but it doesn’t quench her thirst to push to be better. Often working out twice a day, she takes her fitness and wellness very seriously. “I’m not one to ever give my secrets away, however, the importance of weight training and cardio has been a major aspect of my life,” says Thompson. “I eat healthy all the time and include lots of protein. I try to make sure everything is balanced with my training regimen.”
Her advice to others who are charting a similar course? “Set your goals and commit to yourself.” Simple yet strong words punctuate Thompson’s trajectory daily, and she is focused, adding, “My game is trending in the right direction, and I am ready to play well this year.” And while golf is important to her, she doesn’t lose sight of the values her family taught her about caring for others and making them feel good—an impact she can have by a simple handshake and a smile, or by showing up for certain causes that are important to her like her recent appearance at the Shriners Children’s Open.
“I’m very focused on my golf game as well. But I love to give back and see the fans out there and interact with all volunteers. That’s how my mom raised me,” said Thompson to Sarah Kellam after winning the 2023 LGPA Founders Award, an honor given to an LPGA member who, in the opinion of her peers, represents the spirit, ideals and values of the organization through her behavior and deeds, both on and off the golf course. “I always just try to make somebody else’s day better or put a smile on their face over myself. Could be a blessing and a curse, but honestly, it makes me feel better about myself if I make somebody else happier. That’s what we’re all trying to do. We’re trying to grow the game and LPGA.”
LPGA TOUR WINS
2019 SHOPRITE LPGA CLASSIC PRESENTED BY ACER
2018 CME GROUP TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
2017 KINGSMILL CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY JTBC
2017 INDY WOMEN IN TECH CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY GUGGENHEIM
2016 HONDA LPGA THAILAND
2015 MEIJER LPGA CLASSIC PRESENTED BY KRAFT
2015 LPGA KEB HANA BANK CHAMPIONSHIP
2014 KRAFT NABISCO CHAMPIONSHIP
2013 SIME DARBY LPGA MALAYSIA LORENA OCHOA
2013 INVITATIONAL PRESENTED BY BANAMEX
2011 NAVISTAR LPGA CLASSIC
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
LPGA AWARDS
2023 FOUNDERS AWARD
2017 RACE TO CME GLOBE, VARE TROPHY
THE SOLHEIM CUPS
2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023
INTERNATIONAL CROWNS
2014, 2016, 2018, 2023
OLYMPICS
2016 RIO OLYMPICS
2020 TOKYO OLYMPICS
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF LEXI THOMPSON
