‘Even if That Doesn’t Result in a Win, I Know…’: Lexi Thompson Addressed Overcoming Her Mental Trauma After Choking a Five-Stroke Lead at 2021 US Open

Golf is a beautiful game for many. However, this joyful game can turn out to be cruel for some people. Last year, Lexi Thompson seemed to have grabbed the US Open trophy with one hand, as she lead the Major with five strokes. However, then began a turn of events that eventually led to Thompson choking the lead and seeking a mental coach.

The LPGA star has been in the news for many achievements in the past. However, headlines regarding her mental health have been a common occurrence since she’s been in the spotlight from a very young age.

She won her first Major in 2014, after claiming the Chevron Championship while aged 19. After achieving the milestone, Thompson has failed to spark the light at Majors since. Nonetheless, this seemed to have been coming to an end during the 2021 US Open.

Lexi Thompson chokes a Major lead

In last year’s USWO, Thompson led the field with five strokes. It all looked and felt like the 26-year-old would finally end her Major drought during the front nine. However, by the 18th hole, Lexi’s lead was long gone, as missed birdies, regular pars along with Bogeys, and a double bogey, allowed the rest of the field to overthrow her on the leaderboard.

Blowing a five-stroke lead must have been emotionally challenging for Thompson. Following the final round, the frustrated LPGA star stated ‘It’s tough’, referring to the conditions. Nonetheless, a month after the US Open, Thompson opened up about her mental state after choking the lead at the Major while speaking to Bunkered.co.uk.

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The 26-year-old revealed that she had hired a mental health coach to regain her confidence. “I’ve been working with my mental coach John Denny and he’s really helped me out a lot,” she said. “I’m just looking at the positive in life.” After giving an update on how she’s dealing with the mental pain, Thompson revealed how the US Open score impacted her.

Thompson wants to spend time enjoying life rather than on the course

A month after her choke at the Olympic Golf Club, Lexi addressed how the score had been irritating her until she met her mental coach. “That was the biggest thing for me. I was just taking my score too seriously and letting it define me too much as a person,” she said.

The LPGA star further added, “I think for me, just getting in a better mind space out on the golf course and enjoying life more is key.” Thompson also claimed to have been a hard worker because of which she barely takes a break from golf.

She ended by saying, “I’m working so hard on myself on and off the course, and even if that doesn’t result in a win, I know I’m putting the work in. That’s all I can do. I just have to keep pushing and see the results”.

Not many athletes open up about their mental struggles like Lexi Thompson. She has been constantly open about her mental health, through which she has been acting as a voice for all those in need. Hopefully, she ends her Major win drought and goes back to the pinnacle of women’s golf.

What are your thoughts on Thompson’s comments? Let us know in the comments section below.

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