The LPGA Tour, in partnership with Dow, introduced the Dow Impact Award in June 2025 to honor golfers who excel on the course and make a difference beyond it. The inaugural winner: Lexi Thompson. A powerhouse on the greens and a leading voice for inclusivity in women’s golf, Thompson embodies excellence, leadership, and heart—earning her place as both a champion and a role model.

From a shortlist of five nominees, fans voted over a month-long process with over 3400 votes. The other inaugural nominees were Rose Zhang, Jennifer Kupcho, Gaby Lopez, and sisters Ariya Jutanugarn & Moriya Jutanugarn. Thompson received about half the total votes, 48%, making her the winner. Rose Zhang was named the runner-up with 26% of the vote, receiving a cash prize of $10,000.

“I am honored to be named the first recipient of the Dow Impact Award,” said Thompson. “I am especially thankful to the fans who cast their votes for me throughout this process. I am grateful to Dow for providing us nominees with a platform, allowing us to raise awareness of the various causes and charities we support to a wider audience.”

Along with the Dow Impact Award, Thompson received a $25,000 cash prize and a matching donation to a charity of her choice. The retired LPGA pro chose the Morgan Pressel Foundation, an organisation working to advance research and treatment for breast cancer.

“I’ve been on tour 15 years now, and I just hope that I’ve been a role model for kids and somebody to look up to because I know that’s so important. It’s a huge honor to be a part of this award, the way that I’ve given back to the game on and off the golf course, and to be recognized for that and how I’ve given back to my community means more to me than anything,” Thompson shared with Dow Official.

The LPGA states that it recognized Lexi Thompson for more than just her golfing pedigree. Instead, they valued the way she continues to extend that influence outward. She uses her platform to benefit other communities, advocating for important causes. Through her own Lexi Thompson Foundation, she supports youth development, health, and military families worldwide.

Moreover, she is active in youth organizations, including Friends of Golf, First Tee, American Golf Foundation, and Girls Golf. In fact, she served as the 2023-24 ambassador for Girls Golf, encouraging girls in the golfing scene. This reflects her passion for the sport and her views on gender inclusivity.

She also supports breast cancer research organisations and veteran-support causes. The Morgan Pressel Foundation and the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundations are among the few repeat names in her contributions. Moreover, Thompson also extends her support to the Wounded Warriors and the SEAL Legacy Foundation.

Despite an underwhelming 2025 season, Lexi Thompson stood out for her character and impact. With limited cuts made and two top-10s, Thompson has struggled this year, to say the least. Meanwhile, her stepping down from a full-time LPGA schedule has made her appearances rarer.

However, it seems fans still love Thompson just as much, and rightfully so. Given her philanthropic nature, Thompson not only makes donations but also actively shapes the future of women’s golf.

“Golf is just one thing, and I want to, of course, leave the sport in a better place, but it’s so much more than that. I want to be able to give back to people and to the world that deserve it. I always just wanted to leave the game in a better place, put smiles on kids’ faces, and really give back — and that’s more important than anything to me,” Lexi Thompson quipped.

And her philanthropic contributions back that sentiment.

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Lexi Thompson’s impact and charitable contributions

Lexi Thompson is one of those names in golf who cares more about giving back to the sport rather than individual achievements. That’s exactly what happened at the Shriners Children’s Open in 2023. Becoming the seventh woman to compete in PGA Tour history, she was only a few holes away from cutting. Her performance was commendable. But that was far from her main motive.

She didn’t want to be the “main message.” Instead, she wanted to inspire the youth to leap into their dreams while supporting their careers. Thompson met with the Shriners’ players and provided golf lessons.

“Meeting some of the Shriners’ kids, ambassadors, was probably the highlight [of my week],” Thompson noted. “Being with them, giving a clinic, giving golf lessons, and hopefully inspiring them to go after what they want. That was probably the most special.”

Moreover, she participated in the ninth edition of Capital One’s The Match. Alongside Rose Zhang, Rory McIlroy, and Max Homa, Thompson helped raise funds for the charity. Her eagle putt raised $200,000. Her work with Golf Girls also continues to inspire other girls to jump into the sport.

Beyond golf, she continues her work through the Lexi Thompson Foundation. The organisation “aims to support children with serious illnesses and encourage junior golf” by facilitating donations, funding, and initiatives. One of her most notable initiatives includes the Lexi’s Legacy Challenge.

Launched in 2017 in partnership with the SEAL Legacy Foundation, it raises funds and awareness for the families of wounded and fallen U.S. Navy SEALs. Additionally, she is vocal in advocating for equal opportunity and equity in pay for women in golf. Moreover, she’s also an entrepreneur, launching Lexi Skin in 2021.

Apparently, Lexi Thompson’s influence spreads way beyond golf. From youth organisations and health to the military and the US Navy, Thompson is not only a fan favorite on-course, but also a pragmatic character off it.