American golfer Lexi Thompson has been in the public eye since she played in the U.S. Women's Open as a 12-year-old amateur. Now, almost 20 years later, she spoke about the experience during a press conference before her latest tournament.

The 31-year-old spoke to the media on June 9, 2026, before the Dow Championship. She was asked how it feels to focus on her own goals instead of trying to satisfy everyone else's expectations. Thompson gave an honest answer.

"Being in the spotlight since I was 12, there's always going to be outside expectations," Thompson said. "I knew that coming into it. But I think the most important thing is just listening to yourself and your circle around you and just really going after your goals and your expectations of yourself."

She acknowledged, during the media interaction, the trap that comes with putting in the hours.

"We're practicing, we're training, we're putting in the hours," Thompson said. "So we expect to see those instant results, but at the same time, you have to give yourself grace and just be easy on yourself sometimes because then it can get to you."

Thompson qualified for her first U.S. Women's Open in 2007 when she was just 12. She then played in the tournament for 19 straight years.

That streak ended this year at Riviera Country Club. She was not ranked inside the top 75 of the Rolex World Rankings when the qualification deadline arrived. 

She has played only a few tournaments in 2026 after stepping away from full-time LPGA competition at the end of 2024. Her best finish this season was a tie for 12th place at the Chevron Championship.

Thompson has been a part of team tournaments as well. She spoke about her experience at the Solheim Cup at the press conference.

From Individual Grind to Team Glory: Why the Solheim Cup Stands Apart for Lexi Thompson

Thompson opened up about what team golf means to her. She elaborated on why the Solheim Cup sits at the top of her career.

"It's been a huge part of my career and probably my favorite event that I've ever played in," Thompson said. "Playing in front of the fans, it's the highest honor that you can possibly have."

She made a direct appeal to anyone who hasn't watched women's golf, guaranteeing an entertaining time.

"If people don't watch women's golf, just go to a Solheim Cup, and you'll be hooked," she said.

Her passion for golf doesn't get in the way of having a good time, though. Thompson said the atmosphere at Dow is more relaxed than a typical LPGA event, but the competitive drive doesn't go away.

"We have a good time, but we know when to get serious."

Thompson is paired again with Megan Khang at the 2026 Dow Championship, a partnership built across multiple Solheim Cups and this event last year.

Khang described the Dow Championship as one of the closest things on the LPGA schedule to a Solheim Cup atmosphere.

Do you think Lexi Thompson still has a major title win left in her? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Surjo Ray