Lexi Thompson’s Disappointment: A Bitter Farewell to the CME Group Tour Championship

Lexi Thompson’s storied career on the LPGA Tour is drawing to a close, but her farewell isn’t unfolding the way she—or her fans—might have hoped. After three rounds of play at the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship, Thompson sits tied for 29th with a score of 4-under. While not thrilled with her performance, she was looking forward to a conventional conclusion to the season-ending event at Tiburon Golf Club.

However, the LPGA Tour’s decision to modify the final day’s format left Thompson visibly disappointed. Instead of twosomes finishing on the iconic 18th hole, the final round will feature threesomes starting from both the front and back nines to accommodate a tighter TV coverage window. This change means Thompson, who tees off at 8:50 a.m. from the back nine, won’t conclude her final CME event on the traditional 18th green—a moment she had hoped to share with her devoted fans.

Thompson didn’t hold back her frustration, taking to Instagram to express her feelings: *“Pretty sad when you’re at -4 in the season-ending event, which could easily be the last CME of your career, and you won’t even finish on #18 because they decide to double the tee on the final day due to TV coverage window.”*

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As an 11-time LPGA Tour winner and a beloved figure in women’s golf, Thompson has always prioritized her connection with fans. Her memorable gesture at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open, where she stopped to take a photo with a young girl wearing her shirt, exemplifies the bond she shares with her supporters. At the Solheim Cup, the chant of “We will miss you” echoed through the field as fans bid farewell to one of the game’s most cherished players.

Reflecting on the disappointing circumstances, Thompson added, “Bummed I won’t be able to embrace all the incredible fans on 18 tomorrow as I finish. Hopefully, some will be out there on #9.”

While the LPGA’s decision may be practical for broadcasting, it has left a bittersweet taste in what could have been a celebratory farewell. For Thompson, her legacy as a fan-favorite and a trailblazer in the sport remains untarnished, even as she prepares to step away from the game she loves.