At 29 years old, Lexi Thompson, one of the most renowned female golfers globally, has made the decision to retire after this season.

With 15 victories under her belt, Thompson declared on Tuesday that she would be concluding her professional golfing career. Reflecting on the past few years, she revealed that the idea of semi-retirement had been on her mind, citing mental health as a significant factor influencing her choice.

During an emotional moment at the Women's U.S. Open, Thompson spoke candidly about the challenges faced by athletes, particularly in a sport like golf where losses often outnumber victories. "It’s an ongoing battle to continue to put yourself out there in front of the cameras, to work hard, and perhaps not see the desired results, all while enduring criticism," she explained.

Sharing her personal struggle, Thompson acknowledged the universal nature of such challenges among athletes. "I've struggled with it. I don't think there's somebody out here that hasn't," she admitted, underscoring the difficulty of managing these emotions while maintaining a public persona.

Expressing the loneliness that can accompany professional sports, Thompson emphasized the resilience of athletes in the face of adversity. "We're doing what we love. We're trying our best every single day, and we're not perfect," she stated, fighting back tears. "Words hurt, and it's hard to overcome sometimes."