Lexi to take break from golf to 'recharge mental batteries'
Lexi Thompson has announced that she has officially withdrawn from the Ricoh Women’s British Open and will be taking an indefinite break from the game.
The World No. 5 broke the news in an Instagram post where she stated: “I have not truly felt like myself for a long time.”
She went on to admit that the events of the past year and a half had “taken a tremendous toll” on herself both “mentally and emotionally”.
The 23-year-old was famously left in tears at the 2017 ANA Inspiration after a viewer reported that she had incorrectly marked her ball. She was leading entering her final round, but the four-stroke penalty meant that she eventually lost the play off to Ryu So-yeon.
Thompson called the ruling “ridiculous” and was heard asking “Is this a joke?”
Although the incident prompted a rule change, it still took its toll on the American player.
Thompson told her followers: “It is extremely difficult for me not to play in this prestigious major, but I realised recently that I need to take some time to work on myself.
“I am therefore taking this time to recharge my mental batteries, to focus on myself away from the game of professional golf.”
The star has had five top 10 finishes in 2018, but she hasn’t had a victory since the Indy Women in Tech Championship in September.
Her post also mentioned her plans to return in time for the tournament this year.
She added: ‘Thank you so much for your continued support. I hope to see everyone soon as I plan to defend my title at the 2018 Indy Women in Tech Championship.”
We at Lady Golfer wish her all the best and a well-deserved rest. We can’t wait to see her return soon.
