LPGA golfer Lexi Thompson, 29, abruptly announces retirement, citing mental health

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Lexi Thompson, one of the most famous female golfers in the world, has decided to call it a career when this season ends at the age of 29.

Thompson, a 15-time winner, announced Tuesday this would be her final season of professional golf.

Thompson said she has contemplated semi-retirement the last few years and cited mental health as one of the factors that contributed to her decision.

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Lexi Thompson putts on the first green during the third round of the Ford Championship at Seville Golf and Country Club March 30, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz.  (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

"I think we all have our struggles, especially out here," she said Tuesday at the Women's U.S. Open. "Unfortunately, in golf you lose more than you win, so it’s an ongoing battle to continue to put yourself out there in front of the cameras and continuing to work hard and maybe not seeing the results you want and getting criticized for it. So, it’s hard.

"I've struggled with it. I don't think there's somebody out here that hasn't. It's just a matter of how well you hide it, which is very sad.

"It can get lonely," Thompson added, fighting back tears. "I just think, especially with what's happened in golf, a lot of people don't realize … what we go through as a professional athlete. I'll be the last one to say ‘throw me a pity party.’ That's the last thing I want. But we're doing what we love. We're trying the best every single day, and we're not perfect. We're human, words hurt and it's hard to overcome sometimes …

Lexi Thompson misses a birdie putt on the 18th green during the first hole of sudden-death after a