In the realm of sports, where slumps can befall even the most accomplished athletes, the case of Lexi Thompson stands out. With her last victory on the LPGA Tour dating back to June 2019, Thompson currently holds the unenviable position of No. 157 in the Race to the CME Globe. In this unforgiving hierarchy, only the top 60 contenders earn a spot in the CME Group Tour Championship. Although the top 80 still
possess full playing cards and the top 100 maintain access to most tournaments, Thompson’s recent performance offers little assurance that she can secure such privileges.
Despite the dry spell, Thompson remains resolute. Her performance, marred by a recent missed cut at the AIG Women’s Open and a tie for 47th in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, is seen by some as an outcome of her decision to prioritize personal well-being. Defending her approach, Thompson noted that she has spent 13 years on the tour and cherishes the autonomy to choose when to compete. She disclosed that she was grappling with a minor injury but has since recovered. Her focus now is on ensuring that she is fully prepared to excel when she does decide to tee it up.
Thompson’s ranking, though diminished from her peak at No. 6, still offers her a lifeline in the form of the Solheim Cup. The top seven point earners in the U.S. qualify for the team, followed by the top two from the world ranking. Thompson currently sits in prime position for selection, a testament to her previous accomplishments. However, the question of her playing privileges for the upcoming year looms. A potential one-time exemption for being among the top 20 in career earnings could be her saving grace, even though at the age of 28, she might seem relatively young to employ this strategy.
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional golf, Lexi Thompson’s journey continues to be a captivating narrative. As she navigates the complexities of form, health, and competitive ambition, her fate hangs in the balance. Thompson’s resilience and determination showcase the essence of an athlete who refuses to be defined by temporary setbacks, an inspiring testament to the pursuit of excellence in the world of sports.
