Photos: End of an era for Lexi Thompson at 2024 CME Group Tour Championship

NAPLES, Fla. – Lexi Thompson walked of the ninth tee box holding a towel to wipe the tears. While it wasn’t the last round of her career, Sunday at the CME Group Tour Championship marked the end of an era. The 29-year-old announced earlier this year that 2024 would be her last full season on the LPGA.

Thompson’s mother led a small group of family and friends onto the final green to present a bouquet of flowers and finish off the round with hugs. Thompson’s boyfriend, Max Provost, held her dog Leo in his arms. Older brother Nicholas carried the bag this week at Tiburon Golf Club.

The emotions continued to pour out moments later when the popular Thompson met with the media.

“I think ever since I was super young, I have held a lot in, and just – sorry,” said Thompson as she gathered herself. “No, I’ve held a lot in. I think as athletes you’re always told to be strong and be intimidating on the golf course. Don’t show any sign the weakness.

Lexi Thompson of the United States reacts after finishing on the ninth green during the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship 2024 at Tiburon Golf Club on November 24, 2024 in Naples, Florida. Thompson announced her decision to retire from professional golf at the conclusion of the 2024 season earlier in the year. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

“I did it for a while, and it’s just, you know, it’s gotten to me sometimes. It’s hard. It’s not just me, it’s everybody that goes through a lot of things. It’s just a matter of how much you’re willing to hold in and let people in on your emotions. It’s kind of like the time I’m actually letting myself feel those emotions and actually be real.”

CME Group Tour Championship: Leaderboard | Photos

Thompson was actually one of three players to bid farewell to full-time golf at the CME. While 32-year-old Ally Ewing and Thompson announced their decisions months ago, it was news to most that 34-year-old Marina Alex had decided to step away. A total of a dozen players have announced they’re stepping away from full-time competition this season.

Alex’s friends and family were decked in special T-shirts that represented each of her 11 seasons on the LPGA. They popped champagne to celebrate. The Vanderbilt grad and longtime Palm Beach Gardens resident played her first full season on the LPGA in 2014 and won twice. Alex closed with a 66 at Tiburon to finish tied for 12th.

“The last few years have been tough, the travel, the grind,” said Alex. “This is year 11. Trying to keep up with everyone out here, I’m doing my absolute best.”

Ewing, a three-time winner on the LPGA, was greeted by family and her puppy Rusty on the 18th green. Getting a dog topped the retirement bucket list for Ewing, who leaves the LPGA playing some of the best golf of her career. Ewing closed with back-to-back 68s at CME to notch her 11th top 25 of the season.

“I’m just overwhelmed with how much love and support I’ve had,” said Ewing. “Even though this chapter is closing, they are so excited to have me around a little bit more and I’m excited to do that as well.”

All the love for @Lexi and everything she has given to this game and the fans 🩷 pic.twitter.com/RpHAmoRfpM

— LPGA (@LPGA) November 24, 2024

Thompson, 29, is an 11-time winner on the LPGA and claimed the CME title in 2018. She won her first LPGA title at the age of 16, and her greatest victory came at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship, now knowns as the Chevron. She will return to Tiburon Golf Club next month for the Grant Thornton Invitational, where she’ll play alongside Rickie Fowler.

Thompson’s peers frequently praise her commitment to sponsors and fans, noting that rarely missed a pro-am party and sent hand-written notes to pro-am partners.

“I’ll remember everything,” said Thompson of an LPGA career that spanned 13 full seasons and proved unforgettable.

Check out some photos of her final round at the 2024 CME.