Lexi Thompson's 19-Year U.S. Women's Open Streak Is About to End and She Knows It

Lexi Thompson just withdrew from a qualifier in Florida on Wednesday, and that single decision might be the end of a 19-tournament appearance streak that's been running since 2007. Yeah, you read that right. Nineteen consecutive U.S. Women's Opens. That's almost two decades of showing up and competing at golf's biggest stage for women, and now it's hanging by a thread.

How a 12-Year-Old Record Holder Ended Up Here

Thompson was 12 when she set a then-record as the youngest qualifier at the U.S. Women's Open back in 2007. That's generational talent right there. Fast forward to now and the 31-year-old stepped away from full-time golf after the 2024 LPGA Tour season. The 11-time LPGA Tour winner hasn't been sharp when it matters most. She's missed the cut at the past three U.S. Women's Opens. Her only major victory came back in 2014 at the Chevron Championship, and her best U.S. Women's Open finish remains a tie for second in 2019 at the Country Club of Charleston.

The Clock Is Ticking

Thompson had been scheduled to play a 36-hole qualifier at Wilderness Country Club in Naples, Florida, but withdrew. She's not completely out yet though. She can still punch her ticket to the June 4-7 tournament at Riviera in two ways: win an LPGA Tour event or crack the Rolex Rankings' Top 75 by May 25. The problem? She's currently sitting at 94th in the rankings. That's a big hill to climb in a short window.

Her 19-year streak is currently tied for the longest among active players. Amy Yang from South Korea has the same streak going. One of them is about to watch it end.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.