The CME Group Tour Championship was probably the last time Lexi Thompson would be at the LPGA Tour season finale. In late May, Thompson shared with the golf world that the 2024 season would be her last as a professional. After giving the sport 13 years of her life, she was ready to step out of it and lead her life to a different path. So, as the LPGA Tour 2024 ends so did the 1-time major champion’s career.

As fans and other pros bid farewell to Thompson, her brother, Curtis Thompson was also overcome with emotions. After the CME Group Tour Championship concluded, her older brother posted a story on Instagram and praised the 11-time LPGA Tour for growing women’s golf to such a level. He expressed that he was a “proud big bro today” as Thompson changed the lives of many women and attracted millions of others to the game of golf through her amazing career.

Curtis Thomspon added, “You were a humble and kind person to all your fans. The game of golf is forever in your debt. A true CHAMPION. Forever Lexitron. Love your big bro.” Indeed, it was the sweetest message for Thomspon, and in just a few words, her brother gave a perfect tribute to what she has achieved through her career which started at the age of 12. In response, Lexi reposted the Instagram story and emotionally said, “Thank you ❤🥺Love you.” 

Although Thompson has announced her retirement from the game, the LPGA Tour star also shared that she would always be a part of it too. She may tee up at a few events in the upcoming seasons, but will not follow a full schedule as she used to. Nonetheless, leaving her career behind as she looks forward to starting a family and focusing on other things is a little bittersweet, but Thompson wanted to have a proper farewell, yet the LPGA Tour failed to do that.

Lexi Thompson couldn’t say goodbye, as she wanted to

Undoubtedly, many fans were at the Tiburon Golf Club to watch Lexi Thompson play the event for the very last time. They would have wanted to meet her as she drained the 72nd hole, raised her hands one last time, and bowed to the fans. Even Thompson wanted that but the LPGA Tour certainly did not as the 11-time LPGA Tour winner was disappointed with her Sunday round schedule.

Before the final round started, the youngest ever LPGA player shared a disheartening story on her Instagram and said that it was pretty sad that even though the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship could easily be her last one, she could not finish the final round on the 18th green because the LPGA Tour decided to double the tee on Sunday for TV constraints. Thompson expressed, “Bummed I won’t be able to embrace all the incredible fans on 18 tomorrow as I finish.” 

However, she hoped that her fans would rather be waiting on the 9th green and meet her there. And they were there as she always made the time to greet her young or old fans, and sign their cards, regardless of if she had a good or bad round, Thompson always prioritized fans. As she tipped her cap at them and they said that they would miss her, Lexi Thompson’s career came to an end on the 18th but on the 9th with her supporters, just how it was supposed to be.