Lexi Thompson had the world at her feet when she featured at the U.S. Women’s Open back in 2007. However, after nearly two decades, the LPGA pro won’t feature in the major this week and was understandably emotional.

In a recent Instagram post, Thompson released pictures from the 2007 U.S. Open held at Pine Needles in North Carolina. She was just 12 back then and made history by becoming the then-youngest ever golfer to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open.

“For the first time since that week, I won’t be competing in the U.S. Women’s Open. Definitely not a great feeling, I’d be lying if I said otherwise.  But I have to remind myself that I’ve played in 19 in a row at the age of 30, and I’m very proud of that,” wrote Thompson in her Instagram post.

Ranking inside the top 75 in the Rolex World Rankings results in an automatic qualification to the major. However, Thompson was ranked 98th on the deadline and thus missed out. 

Another pathway for qualification would've been by winning an LPGA event but Thompson has been winless on tour since 2020.

Thompson's last hope was the Final Qualifying in Florida last month. However, the 31-year old withdrew from the qualifier to play in an LPGA tournament instead.

“It’s hard to believe that in 2007, as a 12-year-old girl with big dreams, I qualified for my first U.S. Women’s Open. At the time, I was just excited to be there. I remember practicing my autograph in the backseat of my parents car on the drive up to @pineneedlesresort !” Thompson added.

The 12-year old went on to score rounds of 76 and 82 to miss the cut at her maiden US Women's Open. The American went to have 19 consecutive appearances in the major, tied with Amy Yang's record as the longest active streak in the major.

However, during that streak, Thompson has not been able to cross the finishing line. Her best finish came at the Country Club of Charleston in 2019 when she ended up tied for 2nd.

In 2018 and 2021, she finished in the top-5 and in 2010 and 2014, in the top 10. For the last three years, she has not been able to make the cut.

The 11-time LPGA winner announced her “retirement” from full-time play in 2024 but has been quite active since then.

Thompson since she announced her retirement two years back

At the Lancaster Country Club two years back, while playing in the U.S Women’ Open, Thompson announced her retirement from full-time play on the LPGA Tour.

“Even though I’m still playing limited schedule, I realize there are different dreams to focus on in my life anymore, and I’m excited for those phases in my life.” Thompson further wrote in her post.

Despite the retirement, Thompson has not lost her touch. As of now, she has played in four events this season and her best finish came at the Chevron Championship where she finished tied for 12th.

Apart from that, she also got engaged and enjoys a more balanced personal life away from the constant travel her career demanded.

Thompson’s streak might have ended, but it would require years of consistency to beat or to even match it.

What are your thoughts on Thompson missing the U.S. Women’s Open? Share them in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason