Lexi Thompson, a powerhouse on the LPGA Tour, has been a fan-favorite golfer since her debut as the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open at just 12 years old. Her aggressive playstyle has earned her 11 LPGA titles, a major victory, and numerous Solheim Cup appearances. However, the past few years have been marred by injuries, inconsistent form, and the eventual decision to step back from full-time play in 2024.
According to Colton Heisey, Thompson’s former caddie, one of the significant obstacles that power hitters like Thompson face is the layout of LPGA courses. These layouts, favoring precision over distance, can suppress the natural abilities of long hitters. Heisey, a seasoned PGA Tour caddie who worked alongside Thompson in the 2023 season, elaborated on this during a discussion on The Scratch Golf Show.
Heisey pointed out that the course layouts often disadvantage players with long driving distances, saying, “Some of the girls who hit it far, they kind of get penalized on the LPGA Tour because the tour has to set it up for the girls who don’t hit it that far.” This setup “handcuffs” players like Thompson, requiring them to prioritize precision over power, which can hinder their natural game.
Thompson’s 2023 season was a challenging one, marked by inconsistent form and a hand injury that further complicated her performance. Despite these setbacks, Thompson managed to secure “five top 10s,” as Heisey recalled. However, her hand injury was particularly detrimental given her powerful swing that requires critical clubface control. This situation led to discussions about retirement, but Thompson was determined to compete in the Solheim Cup, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the sport.
Thompson is not the only player to grapple with course designs that disadvantage big hitters. Maria Fassi and Anne van Dam, other long drivers on the tour, face similar challenges. This issue raises the question of whether course layouts should accommodate different playing styles to allow all talents to shine.
Despite these hurdles on the tour, Thompson recently took a break for a well-deserved holiday in Miami. She gave her fans a glimpse into her personal life by posting pictures from her night out at the ‘I Do Fashion Week’ hosted by Essence of Australia on March 3, 2025. Thompson, dressed in a stylish cyan dress, shared her joy with her followers, receiving widespread support and admiration from both fans and fellow athletes.
Elite athletes like Thompson often seek moments of normalcy and companionship amidst their demanding schedules. Balancing professional commitments with personal leisure is critical to maintaining their mental and emotional well-being.
Thompson’s journey in golf, filled with obstacles and challenging course setups, is a testament to her resilience. Her tenacity continues to inspire as we eagerly await to see what she will accomplish in the future.
