Lexi Thompson hits from the second tee during the second round of the U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament at Lancaster Country Club, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Lancaster, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
SYLVANIA — The LPGA Dana Open announced today that Friday’s tournament round on July 19 will be dedicated to Lexi Thompson who recently announced her retirement at the end of the 2024 season.
I’m honored that the Dana Open has chosen to recognize me on Friday of tournament week,” Thompson said after she found out about the special day. “I always love coming to Toledo to see all the amazing fans and hopefully the younger generation of golfers.
“What the Dana Open does with giving back to children’s charities is incredible and I just hope that by all of us ladies playing we inspire others and make a difference.”
Thompson, 29, has won 11 times on the LPGA Tour and represented the United States in six Solheim Cup Matches including 2021 at Inverness Club and 2023 in Spain.
“Lexi has meant so much to the LPGA Tour’s success and growth over the past 14 years and we felt this was the perfect time to honor her for everything she’s done for golf,” stated Dana Open tournament director Judd Silverman.
“Lexi has moved women’s golf forward while inspiring kids to follow their passion and dream big. I think she’s signed just about every hat, glove, ball and flag handed to her and accepted countless requests from sponsors to make appearances on their behalf.
”Tournament Friday is a great time for the community to come out to the Dana Open and show Lexi how much we appreciate everything she’s done for kids and the game of golf.”
Thompson added, “While it is never easy to say goodbye, it is indeed time. At the end of 2024, I will be stepping away from a full professional golf schedule.
”I’m excited to enjoy the remainder of the year as there are still goals I want to accomplish. I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life. Time with friends, family and my trusted dog Leo. I will always look for ways to contribute to the sport and inspire the next generation of golfers.”
The 40th Annual Dana Open will be played July 16-21 at Highland Meadows Golf Club for a purse of $1.75 million. For tickets visit www.danaopen.com.
This year’s Dana Open will benefit several Toledo area children’s charities including ProMedica Russell Ebeid Children’s Hospital, Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo, Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity: Women Build, Ronald McDonald House Charities of NW Ohio and the Jamie Farr Scholarship Fund of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation.
