Lexi Thompson at 2024 CME Group Tour Championship

NAPLES, Fla. – Lexi Thompson walked of the ninth tee box holding a towel to wipe the tears. While it wasn’t the last round of her career, Sunday at the CME Group Tour Championship marked the end of an era. The 29-year-old announced earlier this year that 2024 would be her last full season on the LPGA.

Thompson’s mother led a small group of family and friends onto the final green to present a bouquet of flowers and finish off the round with hugs. Thompson’s boyfriend held her dog Leo in his arms.

The emotions continued to pour out moments later when she met with the media.

“I think ever since I was super young, I have held a lot in, and just – sorry,” said Thompson as she gathered herself. “No, I’ve held a lot in. I think as athletes you’re always told to be strong and be intimidating on the golf course. Don’t show any sign the weakness.

“I did it for a while, and it’s just, you know, it’s gotten to me sometimes. It’s hard. It’s not just me, it’s everybody that goes through a lot of things. It’s just a matter of how much you’re willing to hold in and let people in on your emotions. It’s kind of like the time I’m actually letting myself feel those emotions and actually be real.”

All the love for @Lexi and everything she has given to this game and the fans 🩷 pic.twitter.com/RpHAmoRfpM

— LPGA (@LPGA) November 24, 2024

Thompson, 29, is an 11-time winner on the LPGA and claimed the CME title in 2018. She will return to Tiburon Golf Club next month for the Grant Thornton Invitational, where she’ll play alongside Rickie Fowler.

Check out some photos of her final round at the 2024 CME.