Lexi Thompson’s Emotional Farewell: A Heartwarming Surprise Amid Uncertain Retirement Plans

“It is indeed time.” That is what Lexi Thompson would have answered if you had asked her about her retirement plans back at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open. Down the lane, however, one can’t deny how she has been hesitant in confirming the same. Regardless, many in the community would surely want to witness the golfer teeing off at what she termed her final LPGA Tour season. And that is exactly what happened at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship when a certain prodigy came to see her play.

The 29-year-old shared a story on her Instagram handle divulging the same. She shared a picture of herself standing alongside her friend and young golfer, Nora Otero. “Best surprise getting to see @noragolfs today at the @nwachampionship,” wrote Thompson as she added, “She’s the best!”

This is not the first time that the two have been spotted on the golf course together. Moreover, calling them “friends” wouldn’t be too much of a stretch either. Nora Otero was visibly sad when Lexi Thompson announced her retirement. “My #BiggestInfluence and my #Friend announced that she is retiring at the end of the 2024 season,” wrote the young athlete in an Instagram post, “While I am sad, I am also so grateful for the many times she made me feel like the most important girl in the world.”

Otero then added how the LPGA Tour Pro inspired her to love the game of golf before divulging her plans to see her in Arkansas for the tournament. “We are going to try and see you in Arkansas and give you a big hug!” added the youngster, “I will always think of you as one of my best friends and will always be cheering you on. I hope to see you soon and congratulations – I know it was not an easy decision.”

And stick to her plans, the young Otero did, for the two shared a heartwarming moment inside the ropes. Something both of them will remember throughout their lives. For the professional had responded to the Instagram post with the comment, “Getting to meet you and spend time with you on the course is one of my favorite memories that I will always cherish.” Something she will surely miss if she goes ahead with her plans to retire.

Lexi Thompson’s plans for the rest of the 2024 season

Everyone was curious about her reply when a reporter asked her, “Lexi, what’s your schedule like for the rest of 2024?” Satiating the curiosity, she replied, “For the rest of this year I plan to play the following two weeks in Cincinnati and then in Arkansas. Then I’ll play the Florida swing at the end of the year.”

The golfer seemed to be referring to the Kroger Queen City Championship pres. by P&G in Cincinnati, and the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship pres. by P&G in Arkansas. And she kept her promise as Lexi Thompson teed off in the two while finishing T19 in the former and carding a 3-under on the first round at the event in Arkansas. Apart from the same, she also hinted at taking part in the ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge and the CME Group Tour Championship. Will she be able to finish off 2024 in style? The fans can only wait and watch!