“You know (my mom) has always been the biggest fighter… She’s always been a role model of mine. I always aspire to be the woman–half the woman that she is,” Lexi Thompson gushed about her mom, Judy’s, superhero-like strength amidst her epic battle with cancer. With a spirit that’s as bright as her golf swing, Judy has been Thompson’s rock, cheering her on through birdies and bogeys alike. And let’s be real, having a mom who’s a cancer-fighting rockstar can give you some serious motivation to ace your game.

Even after announcing her retirement last year, Thompson seems to have carved out a new path, allowing her to enjoy golf on her own terms. She’s playing select tournaments, focusing on competitiveness and enjoyment, as seen in her recent performance at the Chevron Championship, where she finished tied for T14. Thompson has been grateful for her mother’s support every step of the way, and now that she is semi-retired, the feeling is still the same.

“Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, but especially to my best friend and my biggest role model”, her caption read. With this loving caption, Thompson shared a heartwarming Mother’s Day tribute to her mom, posting a sweet photo of the two smiling together and an eleven-word message that left everyone emotional.“So thankful for you every single day ❤️ I love you, Mom!” 

But this is not the first time Thompson has expressed her love for Judy. Last year, she took to Instagram to celebrate Mother’s Day, sharing a heartfelt post dedicated to her mom, Judy Thompson. In the sweet tribute, Thompson captioned the photo, “Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and all the moms out there! Have a blessed day,” showcasing the special bond they share.

Lexi Thompson’s mother battles heat to watch her daughter play

“How strong she was makes me be strong, too,” Lexi Thompson said in 2017, her words a testament to her mom’s unbreakable spirit. Judy Thompson’s courageous battle with uterine cancer was nothing short of tough, and even after all that, her presence at the United States Women’s Open meant the world to Thompson. Just months after undergoing a hysterectomy and completing radiation treatment, Judy braved the sweltering heat to watch her daughter play. “I want all my children to continue with what their dreams are,” Judy said, refusing to let her health challenges hold her daughter back.

As Thompson played, Judy’s determination to be there for her daughter shone through. Though her radiologist had advised her to drink copious amounts of water, the humid conditions made hydration a constant battle. Yet, she persisted. “Life can’t stop,” Judy said, her words a gentle reminder that even in tough times, life keeps moving forward. The golfer’s concern for her mom was evident, and she’d often check in to ensure Judy was comfortable and hydrated.

She kept a video of her daughter’s news conference after the ANA Inspiration on her smartphone, watching it whenever she needed inspiration. Thompson called her mom “the strongest woman I know,” a sentiment that echoed the admiration and love they shared. Through it all, Judy remained a pillar of strength for her daughter, inspiring her to push through her own challenges on and off the course.