‘Excuse me?’ – Lexi Thompson left reporter stunned in awkward Solheim Cup moment

Lexi Thompson’s Awkward Solheim Cup Moment: A Look Back at 2023 and What’s Next for the Golf Star

As the 2024 Solheim Cup approaches, Team USA star Lexi Thompson will be hoping for a more memorable experience than what unfolded in the 2023 event. The renowned golfer, who has announced her retirement at the end of this year, will be competing in her seventh Solheim Cup, marking her final appearance in this prestigious competition.

 

Thompson’s career in the Solheim Cup has been a mix of triumphs and challenges. Over the years, she has seen only two victories, with Europe dominating the event significantly over the past decade. Her performance in the 2023 Solheim Cup was notable, as she contributed three points out of a possible four. However, despite her efforts, the event ended in a dramatic 14-14 tie, allowing Europe to retain the cup.

 

One particular incident from that event stands out and is likely to linger in Thompson’s memory as she prepares for her last Solheim Cup. On the opening day of the 2023 tournament, Team USA surged into a commanding lead. However, Thompson’s performance in the afternoon session was marred by a critical mistake that ultimately proved costly.

 

In a tightly contested match, Thompson was paired with Lilia Vu, and the American duo faced off against Europe’s Leona Maguire and Georgia Hall. As they approached the final hole, the teams were locked in a tie. Maguire had just made a crucial birdie on the 18th hole, putting pressure on Thompson to either hole her chip shot to secure a full point for the USA or get up-and-down to salvage a half-point.

 

Unfortunately for Thompson, her attempt to respond did not go as planned. The shot was poorly executed, almost striking her partner Vu and her caddie. The ball ended up resting at the bottom of a hill near the front of the green, making the situation even more challenging. The misjudged chip shot allowed Europe to secure their first full point of the day and ignited a comeback that ultimately led to the tie and retention of the cup.

 

Following the match, the press conference provided an opportunity for Thompson to address the mistake. When asked about her chip shot and her thought process leading up to it, Thompson responded tersely, “I don’t need to comment on that.” The blunt reply took the reporter by surprise, who responded with a stunned “Excuse me?”

 

Thompson’s irritation was evident as she further explained, “I don’t need to comment on the chip. It was a bad lie, and I did not hit a good chip, but it was pretty much impossible.” Her frustration was compounded by the fact that the question seemed to touch a nerve.

 

The atmosphere in the press room was further charged by the reaction of Team USA’s captain, Stacy Lewis, who was seated alongside Thompson. After the exchange, Lewis was heard muttering under her breath, “That’s a terrible question,” showing her displeasure with the way the situation was handled by the media.

 

Now, as the 2024 Solheim Cup approaches, Thompson and Lewis are ready to seek redemption. The event will be held at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia, and both Thompson and Lewis will be looking to turn the page on the previous year’s disappointment. Lewis, who has remained as Team USA’s captain, has included Thompson as one of her three wildcards, underscoring her belief in Thompson’s continued impact on the team.

 

In reflecting on Thompson’s career, Lewis expressed admiration for the golfer’s contributions to women’s golf. “Lexi has definitely changed women’s golf,” Lewis remarked. “I actually got to play with her in her rookie year at Solheim in Colorado. I believe that was her first one. To see how far she’s come from there until now is incredible.”

 

As Lexi Thompson prepares for her final Solheim Cup appearance, she will undoubtedly be focused on ending her storied career on a high note. The upcoming event will not only be a chance for redemption but also a fitting farewell to a player who has made significant strides in the world of women’s golf.