Lexi Thompson, a golf star, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in an emotional ceremony filled with acclaim and appreciation for her amazing achievements in women’s golf and her relentless efforts to increase grassroots female participation in the sport. Thompson’s deep legacy on and off the course is recognized with this award, which is presented by the Women’s Golf Alliance and supported by the LPGA.
This achievement comes on the heels of her recent news that she will be retiring from full-time competitive play following a successful 15-year professional career. But it wasn’t just the trophies, titles, or Sunday clutch putts that earned her this honor; it was the doors she opened for future generations.
A Career of Firsts and Excellence.
Lexi Thompson rose to prominence as a golf prodigy, qualifying for the United States Women’s Open at the age of 12. Her career rapidly took off, and at the age of 16, she became the youngest winner of an LPGA competition. Thompson has 11 LPGA Tour victories, including a major tournament at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco tournament.
However, her impact was never limited to leaderboards. Thompson, known for her work ethic, poise under pressure, and honesty, became a role model for millions of young girls who aspired to swing a club in professional competition.
Championing the grassroots game.
Perhaps most importantly, Lexi Thompson has utilized her position to redefine access and opportunity in golf for girls of all backgrounds. In 2018, she created the “Girls on the Green” initiative through the Lexi Thompson Foundation, a national grassroots organization that aims to introduce golf to girls in underserved communities.
To date, the program has financed the following:
Over 250 free junior golf clinics in the United States.
Construction or renovation of 30 community golf facilities.
Scholarships for almost 1,000 young female golfers.
Collaborations with schools and youth centers to provide continuing coaching, mentoring, and gear.
In her victory speech, Thompson stated, “This award means more to me than any prize. Golf gave me so much—confidence, discipline, lasting friendships—and I’ve made it my duty to pass on those same qualities to the next generation of ladies.”
Celebrated by Her Peers
Golf luminaries and contemporaries praised the trailblazer. Annika Sörenstam stated, “Lexi’s impact extends far beyond the fairways. She is shaping the future of women’s golf, one girl, one swing, and one desire at a time.”
LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan went on to say, “Lexi Thompson is a changemaker, not just a champion.” Her enthusiasm for the game and for people is changing the way we grow golf globally.”
A legacy that lives on
Thompson may be taking a break from the rigors of full-time tour competition, but she shows no signs of slowing down her effect. Plans are already in place to expand her foundation’s activities globally, especially in Latin America and Asia, where golf is becoming increasingly popular among young women.
With the Lifetime Achievement Award added to her resume, Lexi Thompson’s greatest legacy may not be her victories, but rather the thousands of girls she has inspired to pick up a club and believe in themselves.
As she concluded, “Golf gave me a voice—and I’m going to keep using it.”