Planet Golf News for Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Retiring Lexi Thompson doesn't want a 'pity party,' but says life on tour is lonely and 'words hurt'

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

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Lexi Thompson, 29, shocks golf world with retirement announcement

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Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

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Lexi Thompson's unexpected retirement announcement has taken the golf world by surprise. At just 29 years old, Thompson, who started her professional career at the tender age of 12, has decided to hang up her clubs at the end of the current LPGA season. Known for her competitive spirit and impressive achievements, including 11 LPGA Tour wins and a major championship at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship, Thompson's departure marks the end of an era for her fans and the sport.

Despite her immense popularity and impact on golf, Thompson's performance has waned in recent years, and she is currently ranked 54th in the world. Her decision to retire, however, is not solely based on her ranking. Thompson has spoken candidly about the toll that life on tour takes, mentioning loneliness and the pressure of constant scrutiny. She emphasized the importance of mental health and the desire to explore new opportunities beyond the greens. Thompson remains focused on her pre-retirement goal of making the Solheim Cup team, reflecting her unwavering dedication to the sport even as she steps away from full-time competition.

While Thompson's retirement has been a major talking point, the golf world is also buzzing with upcoming tournaments and events. The RBC Canadian Open is set to take place at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ontario from May 30 to June 2, featuring top players like Rory McIlroy and defending champion Nick Taylor. This historic event, being the third oldest continually running tournament on the PGA TOUR, promises exciting competition and local enthusiasm with Canadian players like Corey Conners and Adam Hadwin in the mix.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Women's Open, presented by Ally, kicks off at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania. This prestigious tournament boasts a $12 million purse and a field packed with talent, including eight past champions. Nelly Korda, currently the world's top-ranked female golfer, leads the pack with her impressive form, having won six of her last seven starts. The demanding Lancaster course will challenge the field, but Korda's meticulous preparation and strong support system make her a formidable contender.

The Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines, Iowa, and the European Open in Hamburg, Germany, are also on the horizon, each bringing their own unique excitement and competitive fields. The Principal Charity Classic, a PGA TOUR Champions event, focuses on raising funds for Iowa children's charities, while the European Open at the Green Eagle Golf Courses will see top players like Rasmus Hojgaard and defending champion Tom McKibbin battling it out on one of the most challenging courses in professional golf.

As Lexi Thompson prepares to bid farewell to her full-time professional career, the golf world continues to turn with thrilling tournaments and emerging storylines. Her legacy as a trailblazer and role model for young golfers remains firmly intact, inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams with the same passion and determination that defined her career.

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Golf Tournaments happening this week

RBC Canadian Open - Hamilton, ON

The upcoming RBC Canadian Open is set to take place from May 30 to June 2, 2024, with practice rounds beginning on May 28. This prestigious event will be held at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario, marking the seventh time the tournament has been hosted at this historic venue. The RBC Canadian Open is the third oldest continually running tournament on the PGA TOUR, after The Open Championship and the U.S. Open.

The notable players participating in the 2024 RBC Canadian Open include Rory McIlroy, who is currently ranked world No. 2. Nick Taylor, the defending champion, will also be competing as he aims to retain his title. Additionally, Canadian players Corey Conners and Adam Hadwin will be part of the field, adding significant local interest to the event.

U.S. Women's Open pres. by Ally - Lancaster, PA

The 79th edition of the U.S. Women’s Open, the longest-running major championship in women’s golf, is set to begin on Thursday at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. With a substantial purse of $12 million and Ally as the presenting sponsor, this year's championship promises thrilling competition and notable storylines.

The competition also includes eight past U.S. Women’s Open champions like Brittany Lang, Ariya Jutanugarn, and Jeongeun Lee. Notably, In Gee Chun, who won the Open when it was last held at Lancaster in 2015, returns with a strong connection to the community, having established an educational foundation that supports local scholarships.

Principal Charity Classic - Des Moines, IA

The upcoming Principal Charity Classic golf tournament will take place from May 29 to June 2, 2024, at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa. This annual PGA TOUR Champions event, sponsored by Principal Financial Group, aims to raise funds for Iowa children's charities, focusing on education, health, financial security, and stability.

European Open - Hamburg, Germany

The 2024 European Open, part of the DP World Tour, will take place from May 30 to June 2 at the Porsche North Course at Green Eagle Golf Courses in Hamburg, Germany. This marks the 41st edition of the tournament and the seventh consecutive year it will be held at this venue. The course is known for its length, measuring 7,882 yards, and is considered one of the most challenging in professional golf due to its undulating greens and numerous water hazards.

The field will feature several prominent players, including Japan's Rikuya Hoshino and Sweden's Jesper Svensson, who are currently second and third in the Race to Dubai Rankings, respectively. Other notable participants include Rasmus Hojgaard and 2016 Masters Champion Danny Willett. Last year's champion, Tom McKibbin, will also return to defend his title.

UNC Health Championship pres. by STITCH - Korn Ferry - Raleigh, NC

The UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH is an upcoming golf tournament on the Korn Ferry Tour. It will take place from May 30, 2024, to June 2, 2024, at the Raleigh Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. This event is part of the Korn Ferry Tour, which is a developmental tour for the PGA TOUR.

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