News
Lexi Thompson: “I need to have a life”
Lexi Thompson has been a high-level, highly visible professional golfer since she was 15, and her life has been centered around the game since she was five. For we average folk, the pressure inside the ropes and the obligations outside them that such a life engenders are without parallel.
After a particularly grueling stretch, Thompson, arguably the face of the LPGA Tour, was understandably worn down. She took a month-long break from the game and, really, the demands of her celebrity.
The 23-year-old skipped last month’s Ricoh Women’s British Open. She’ll return to competition at this week’s Indy Women in Tech Championship.
“I’m not just a robot out here,” she told reporters ahead of the tournament. “I need to have a life.”
In the past 18 months, the Coral Springs, Florida, native has dealt with her mother’s cancer, the death of her grandmother, and of course, the ANA Inspiration debacle.
“You can only stay strong for so long and hide it,” Thompson said.
Thompson also told reporters she took a trip with friends and shelved her golf clubs for two weeks.
Full press conference, below.
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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James
Jun 28, 2023 at 9:02 pm
Lexi we sure wish her the best and happiness! But, If anyone thinks she can compete with the best by not competing on a regular basis doesn’t get it! If she thinks she can win without that ………someone needs to give her the real talk!!!! Obviously she has made new goals…..
I could help her be a very very good putter or at least where she is way more natural and confident. She is tremendously better for sure right now than she has been. Have one of her handlers send me a email. What would it hurt! Always have fun.
MG
Aug 18, 2018 at 8:46 am
That or she just really hates paying UK taxes and doesn’t like playing the Ladies British…
Bob McNichols
Aug 17, 2018 at 12:28 pm
I remember playing in a Junior-Am in 2009 and the privilege of riding in the Golf car with her that day. She was 14. Living at home in Florida. I asked where she went to school. She said she was home schooled. I asked how she met other kids her age. She said at golf tournaments like the one we were at in Missouri. I felt immediately Lexi and kids like her were being robbed of a childhood and socialization outside of their sport. I was not surprised to read of her burn out at 23 years old and I’m glad she recognized it and is dealing with it for her own good. Congratulations and best wishes to Lexi and kids in all sports who need to have a life outside of their sport while playing and learning about life on the outside of the grueling pace of junior sports and at the highest level they can achieve.
Midwest Blade
Aug 17, 2018 at 11:13 am
She has been on the stage for several years, probably missed a few things over those years when golf at the LPGA level took over. I give her full rights and respect to take a breather. The ladies play for so much less than the men, most of the top players play week after week just to make a decent living which is why I like to follow the Ladies tour, at least you see some of the big stars at just about every tournament.
Southeast super game improvement
Aug 17, 2018 at 12:52 pm
Good call blade. She no doubt appreciated your permission.
Sahil Singh
Aug 17, 2018 at 6:33 am
she takes one tournament off, stating that she wants to work on her life. either she has a really short life to work on or maybe her issues are just too small. Mental strength is lacking. she’s the Rickie Fowler of the LPGA (plus 1 major), one of the most absolutely over rated players on tour.
jeff
Aug 16, 2018 at 1:38 pm
This is such a perspective arguement.
If a magic geenie said you can become a professional athlete right now, yes or no?
EVERYONE would say yes. BUT, being a professional athlete is also very stressful and requires way more work and commitment than most of us are willing to give. It seems like the perfect life but eventually the stress gets to you. So, eventually there will be a breaking point in which you will need some time to yourself.
dj
Aug 16, 2018 at 1:00 pm
Golf is her job. How many of you would just stop working because you wanted a life?
MBA-J
Aug 16, 2018 at 6:18 pm
How many of us have taken a mental day or a quick vacation because we wanted a break? She skipped a tournament…it’s not like she retired.
A. Commoner
Aug 16, 2018 at 7:05 pm
This is dime store novel stuff. Who does not have adversity in their life? Advice: quit what you’re doing, move to Nowhere USA, and get a job in an office clerical pool.
Realist
Aug 16, 2018 at 9:24 pm
You have no idea what they are talking about…u must be happy with ur job!
Scott McDonald
Aug 16, 2018 at 12:41 pm
Maybe cut down on the Instagram pics.
The dude
Aug 16, 2018 at 5:15 pm
Bingo
Brett Weir
Aug 16, 2018 at 12:23 pm
She’s been through a lot these past few months. I’m sure she’ll be ok in the end.
Geohogan
Aug 16, 2018 at 11:41 am
Wish the best for Lexi. Hope that she takes at least 6 months.
Health, including mental health is much more important than golf.
CJ
Aug 16, 2018 at 7:15 am
I met her when she was 14 playing golf all day every day would mess with anyone… period. Other than that… dramatic this is not.
Liberty Apples
Aug 15, 2018 at 10:29 pm
Face of the LPGA tour? Apparently you’ve missed perhaps the greatest transformation of a professional sport in history. You want the face of the LPGA tour? Pick one from South Korea.
gunmetal
Aug 16, 2018 at 1:29 am
“arguably”, so chill out a tad. The best American in any international sport will always have a level of prominence. Not to mention she’s pretty freaking good, too.
millennial82
Aug 16, 2018 at 3:18 pm
what about soccer? oh, maybe that’s too International..
O sh t
Aug 16, 2018 at 2:18 am
Face of the white American female player of the LPGA, yes.
Andrew Reagan Mclaughlin
Aug 16, 2018 at 5:11 am
Black power!
The dude
Aug 16, 2018 at 5:14 pm
……that didn’t take long…