Lexi Thompson is not just a golfing star. Throughout the years, she’s been a daughter, a sister, and most importantly a part of the Thompsons, whose close-knittedness has never failed to stand strong. Not when Judy Thompson was battling a cruel case of breast cancer and uterine cancer. Not when the golfer herself was slowly drifting away from the thing she grew up loving. And, definitely not when the 2014 Chevron Championship winner announced her retirement from full-time LPGA Tour competition in 2024.

The 30-year-old has always emphasized how her “family is everything” and how they’ve been her “greatest rock.” Scott Thompson, who’d primarily been his three professional golfer kids’ primary coach was also their confidant, protector and the dad would go to any lengths did the situation demand it. Judy, despite ongoing treatment, would be present in the crowd cheering for her daughter. Even her brothers, Curtis and Nicholas, were part of the same tribe who’d double down as her caddie if need be. Last year, the semi-retired star had further indicated her affinity toward a peaceful personal life surrounding fiancé Max Provost, saying, “I’ll be 30 next year, so settle down, get married, have a family. That’s my No. 1 priority.” Well, no wonder, the veteran was sad when she missed a very important family event.

Taking to her Instagram Story on April 26, Thompson shared a picture of a family featuring two kids, and their parents, with the youngest boy looking at the camera with folded hands. “Really sad I missed it, but I’m so proud of my godson, Luke, on his first communion!” she captioned it. Thankfully, it’s not without reason that she missed the important event. Her latest emotional revelation comes during a pivotal tournament…

With her brother Curtis on her bag, the Florida-native is showing impressive form at the Chevron Championship. His presence has notably elevated her game, as she credits him with helping maintain her positive mindset and patient approach. Her Friday round of 67 at The Club at Carlton Woods–the day she posted about missing the communion–was one of her best performances this season. And, as things stand, Thompson’s in prime position to clinch her career-second major after 11 years.

While she began the day with two bogeys, the veteran found her rhythm, sitting T6 at -6 after three rounds (just three shots off the lead). Most definitely, the credit partly goes to Curtis. Talking about the same, the player said, “He’s just a riot. He’s the personality of the family…Like today, with the start, I could have let it just kind of crumble, and I stayed patient and positive.”

Post 100 days of semi-retirement, Thompson recently also made her feelings clear about her new part-time status. “I wouldn’t say a big difference. I’m the same person. Golfer-wise, maybe a touch because I’m not playing as much,” she explained when asked about the transition. She emphasized that despite her reduced schedule, her competitive drive remains unchanged: “When I’m still at home, I’m still practicing and training… every time I tee it up, I still want to win.” Especially when you have your folks by your side, what would you need, right?

Last May, when she announced her retirement at the US Open, it was a big and emotional moment for her. Her family was there to help her navigate. “I had my family there to support me. It was a lot of tears, a lot of emotions. But I’ve felt the love from everybody around me — my fans, family, friends — so it’s meant the world,” she noted.

While Thompson navigates these emotional challenges, her performance on the course tells another story of resilience and determination.

Lexi Thompson’s recent performance shows resilience amid a part-time schedule

Thompson’s 2025 season has showcased both struggles and triumphs since adopting her part-time schedule. She started strong with a T13 finish at the Founders Cup in February, followed by a respectable T38 at the Ford Championship in March, before hitting a roadblock with a missed cut at the JM Eagle LA Championship in mid-April. Despite these fluctuations, her competitive spirit remains undiminished, as evidenced by her own words: “I’m still very competitive, and I’m just trying to enjoy the few times I’ll play.”

Thompson’s current Chevron performance also continues her pattern of elevating her game when the stakes are highest. This ability to navigate emotional challenges while performing at an elite level has long been a hallmark of her career, forcing her fans to appreciate both her athletic prowess and emotional authenticity.

Will Thompson cap this emotional week with a major championship victory? Let us know in the comments below!