Golf world reacts to shock Lexi Thompson news ahead of U.S. Women's Open

The LPGA Tour has confirmed Lexi Thompson plans to retire at the end of the season. 

Her surprising announcement came two days before the 2024 U.S. Women's Open where Thompson will be making her 18th consecutive appearance in the major. 

At the time of publication Thompson had not detailed the reasons for her decision. 

She was scheduled to speak to reporters in a news conference on Tuesday at 2.30pm EDT at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania. 

Thompson is now 29 years old and has been one of the headliners in the women's game ever since she turned professional at the age of 15 in 2011.

She became the youngest winner of an LPGA Tour event when she captured the 2011 Navistar Classic at the age of 16.

Overall, Thompson has claimed 11 LPGA Tour titles and one major championship. 

That major victory came at the 2014 Chevron Championship. 

She has not won since 2019. 

In October 2023, Thompson became the seventh woman to play on the PGA Tour. 

She shot 73-69 and missed the cut at the Shriners Children's Open by two strokes. 

Elsewhere, Thompson has represented the United States in the Solheim Cup on six occasions (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023). 

Her overall record stands at 9-7-7. 

Reacting to the news, one X user wrote: "Wow, did not see that coming!"

Another added: "Surprising, but good for her."

"It's been a blast watching you, Lexi," another added. 

Watch our YouTube video with Lexi Thompson here: