History of Lexi Thompson in Timeline

Lexi Thompson is a prominent American professional golfer on the LPGA Tour. She gained recognition at a young age, becoming the then-youngest golfer to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open at age 12 in 2007. Thompson turned professional at 15 and quickly made history by becoming the youngest-ever winner of an LPGA tournament at age 16, winning the Navistar LPGA Classic in 2011. Her success continued as she became the second-youngest winner of a Ladies European Tour event later that year. At 19, she achieved her first major championship win at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship, solidifying her place as one of the youngest LPGA golfers to achieve this feat.

1952: Marlene Hagge's Record Broken by Thompson

Lexi Thompson's victory at the Navistar LPGA Classic in 2011 was historic, breaking Marlene Hagge's 1952 record to become the youngest winner in LPGA history.

February 10, 1995: Birth of Lexi Thompson

Lexi Thompson was born on February 10, 1995. This is a significant event as it marks the beginning of her life and journey.

2006: Amy Yang's Record as Youngest LET Winner

While Lexi Thompson's 2011 Dubai Ladies Masters win made her the youngest professional winner on the LET, Amy Yang still holds the overall record. Yang won the 2006 ANZ Ladies Masters as an amateur at just 16 years, 6 months, and 8 days old.

2007: Youngest Golfer to Qualify for U.S. Women's Open

At the incredibly young age of 12, Lexi Thompson made history in 2007 by becoming the youngest golfer ever to qualify for the prestigious U.S. Women's Open.

2007: Youngest Player to Qualify for U.S. Women's Open and Wins

In 2007, at the age of 12, Lexi Thompson became the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open. While she didn't make the cut, she made history. That same year, she won the Aldila Junior Classic, becoming the second-youngest winner in American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) history, and the Westfield Junior PGA Championship, the youngest ever.

2008: U.S. Girls' Junior Champion

Lexi Thompson showcased her exceptional skills and determination in 2008 by winning the U.S. Girls' Junior Championship.

2009: First Cut at the U.S. Women's Open

In 2009, at the age of 14, Lexi Thompson achieved a significant milestone by making the cut for the first time at the U.S. Women's Open. This accomplishment demonstrated her growing skills and competitiveness at a young age.

2009: Victory at the Verizon Junior Heritage

Lexi Thompson emerged victorious at the 2009 Verizon Junior Heritage after an intense sudden-death playoff against Laetitia Beck. This victory showcased her composure under pressure and her ability to perform at her best in crucial moments.

June 2010: Non-LPGA Tournaments Participation

From June 2010 through the end of 2011, Lexi Thompson played in various non-LPGA tournaments as a professional golfer but was not a member of any golf tour.

June 2010: Turning Professional at Age 15

In a significant step in her career, Lexi Thompson decided to turn professional in June 2010, at the young age of 15. This decision marked her commitment to pursuing golf at the highest level.

June 16, 2010: Turning Professional and Signing Sponsorship Deals

Lexi Thompson officially announced her transition to professional golf on June 16, 2010. She also secured significant sponsorship deals with Cobra-PUMA Golf and Red Bull, marking the beginning of her professional endorsements.

October 2010: Competing on the Fuzion Minor League Golf Tour

Lexi Thompson showcased her versatility and determination by competing in one-day tournaments on the Fuzion Minor League Golf Tour starting in October 2010. This developmental tour, primarily aimed at male golfers aiming for higher levels, provided her with unique challenges and opportunities to refine her skills.

December 2010: Petition for LPGA Tournament Participation

In December 2010, Lexi Thompson submitted a petition to the LPGA requesting permission to participate in more than the allowed six LPGA tournaments for non-members. This petition, seeking sponsor exemptions for up to 12 tournaments, aimed to provide her with increased opportunities to compete at the highest level.

2010: Strong Performances and Rise in Rankings

Lexi Thompson exhibited her potential with impressive performances, including a second-place finish at the Evian Masters. Her consistent play resulted in substantial earnings and a significant rise to number 74 in the Women's World Golf Rankings, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of golf.

2010: Maintaining Amateur Status and Notable Performances

Lexi Thompson made the strategic decision to maintain her amateur status for the first half of 2010, allowing her to compete in prestigious tournaments such as the Women's Australian Open and the Kraft Nabisco Championship, gaining valuable experience on the international stage.

January 2011: LPGA Rule Change and Opportunity for Thompson

In January 2011, LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan made a significant announcement regarding a rule change. While denying Thompson's petition for increased sponsor exemptions, he revealed that non-members would now be allowed to participate in Monday qualifying, effectively granting her the opportunity to compete in more than 12 tournaments in 2011.

February 2011: First Professional Win and Continued Competition

Lexi Thompson achieved a significant milestone in February 2011 by securing her first professional win. This victory came at a Fuzion Tour event held at her home course in Coral Springs, Florida, where she triumphed in a playoff against Brett Bergeron.

September 18, 2011: Youngest-Ever Winner of an LPGA Tournament

On September 18, 2011, at the age of 16 years, 7 months, and 8 days, Lexi Thompson achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the youngest-ever winner of an LPGA tournament at the Navistar LPGA Classic.

September 30, 2011: LPGA Membership Granted

Lexi Thompson's petition for LPGA membership was approved on September 30, 2011, solidifying her place among the world's best female golfers.

December 17, 2011: Victory at the Dubai Ladies Masters

Lexi Thompson further solidified her presence in the golfing world on December 17, 2011, by winning the Dubai Ladies Masters, a prestigious event on the Ladies European Tour (LET).

2011: Non-LPGA Tournaments Participation

From June 2010 through the end of 2011, Lexi Thompson played in various non-LPGA tournaments as a professional golfer but was not a member of any golf tour.

2011: TPC February Shootout

In 2011, Lexi Thompson competed in the TPC February Shootout as part of the Fuzion Minor League Golf Tour.

2011: First LPGA Tournament and Continued Competition

In 2011, Lexi Thompson embarked on her LPGA journey, participating in her first tournament, the Avnet LPGA Classic, with a sponsor's exemption. Throughout the year, she faced both successes and setbacks, showcasing her talent and determination while navigating the challenges of professional golf.

August 26, 2012: Lydia Ko Breaks Thompson's Youngest Winner Record

On August 26, 2012, 15-year-old Lydia Ko won the CN Canadian Women's Open, surpassing Lexi Thompson's record as the youngest LPGA tournament winner.

September 2012: Completion of Homeschooling

In September 2012, Lexi Thompson shared in an interview that she had completed her homeschooling and had "graduated a few months ago." This event highlights her commitment to education alongside her burgeoning golf career.

2012: Top 10 on All-Time Career Money List

After tying for fifth place and earning $79,951 at the Meijer LPGA Classic on June 19, 2012, Lexi Thompson moved to 10th on the all-time career money list on the LPGA Tour. Over 10 years and 230 events since her LPGA membership started in 2012, she amassed $12,608,045.

2012: Official Earnings and Top-10s

As of March 31, 2024, Lexi Thompson's official earnings and top-10 finishes include both matchplay and other events without a cut. Earnings and top-10s prior to 2012 are unofficial since she was not an LPGA member. Her official 2012 earnings do not include $23,107 from a T14 finish at the Honda LPGA Thailand.

2012: Preparing for the 2012 LPGA Tour

With her LPGA membership secured, Lexi Thompson focused on preparing for the 2012 LPGA Tour, ready to compete as a full member.

2013: Evian Championship Becomes a Major

In 2013, the Evian Championship was added as a major on the LPGA Tour.

2014: Lucy Li Surpasses Thompson's Record

In 2014, golfer Lucy Li surpassed Lexi Thompson's record as the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open. Li achieved this feat at the age of 11, marking a shift in the record books for this prestigious tournament.

2014: Victory at the Kraft Nabisco Championship

Lexi Thompson's exceptional talent and hard work culminated in a remarkable victory at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship, securing her first major championship win. This victory was even more special as it made her the second-youngest LPGA golfer to achieve this feat.

2014: Fourth LPGA Win and Second-Youngest Major Winner

Lexi Thompson's victory at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship marked her fourth LPGA win and solidified her place in golfing history as the second-youngest women's major winner at the time.

2016: Seventh LPGA Tour Win and First Victory on LPGA Tour of Japan

In 2016, Lexi Thompson earned her seventh LPGA Tour win at the Honda LPGA Thailand. She also secured her first victory on the LPGA Tour of Japan at the World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup. Additionally, she achieved her best finish at the Women's British Open, tying for 8th place at Woburn Golf and Country Club in 2016.

2017: Penalty at 2017 ANA Inspiration

In April 2017, Lexi Thompson was penalized four strokes for incorrectly replacing her ball on the green during the third round of the ANA Inspiration. The penalty, which was reported by a TV viewer, included a two-stroke penalty for the infraction and an additional two strokes for signing an incorrect scorecard. Despite the setback, Thompson managed to get into a playoff but ultimately lost to Ryu So-yeon.

November 18, 2018: CME Group Tour Championship Victory

On November 18, 2018, Lexi Thompson won the CME Group Tour Championship with an 18-under total, achieving a four-shot victory over Nelly Korda. This victory, which was worth $500,000, marked her first win in over a year and the tenth of her professional career.

June 2, 2019: Best Finish at U.S. Women's Open

On June 2, 2019, Lexi Thompson had her best finish at the U.S. Women's Open, securing a tie for 2nd place at the Country Club of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina.

June 2021: U.S. Women's Open Lead and Final Round

In June 2021, Lexi Thompson led the U.S. Women's Open going into the last round at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, California. She was ahead by five strokes by the end of her front nine but shot a five-over par 41 on the back nine, missing out on a playoff by one stroke.