Lexi Thompson’s Ongoing Boycott Is Hurting Reputation of LPGA Major, Reports Insider

Lexi Thompson is never the one to keep her thoughts to herself, definitely not when it is about an event. However, things didn’t start as patchy for her in the Evian Resort Golf Club in the French Alps. In the promotional years of the Amundi Evian Championship to a major in 2013, the 29-year-old scored a third, a T10 result, and a runner-up finish in each of her first three appearances. However, things quickly took a downturn with her next two finishes being T22 and T48 before she missed consecutive cuts in 2018 and 2019. However, she didn’t just go out silently. 

In 2019, the American golfer took it to her Instagram to show her displeasure stating, “To play well today hit one bad golf shot but hit 3 iron shots right at the pin 5 ft at one point then end up 40+ ft….umm really? I’m actually very thankful that I don’t have to put myself thru that for another two days. You’re a beautiful place Evian but that’s just too many bad breaks with good shots for me, so bye.”

However, she took the post down to add another one clarifying, “I didn’t mean it in a mean way at all.” The COVID-19 canceled the event in 2020, and we’ve not seen Thompson at the picturesque venue again. And as per Meg and Matthew of The Mixed Bag podcast, despite having “tinkered with a lot of things to get it right. They’re working on the golf course as they go,” the “lambasting” has made things worse for the event.

Host Matthew of the podcast began, “That post later got deleted and she kinda came back after someone scolded her from the Tour. And that was the year they moved it to July. That was a hot Summer, everyone was hot. There were some air spots in the fairway; she had posted some pictures on the fairways of the fourth or fifth hole which looked like a… very terrible. And ya, that’s had some not-so-successful years.

“The September date didn’t help. Not just Lexi Thompson, I think Stacy Lewis came out and kinda like pointed the event with her unhappiness… She didn’t feel great off course. It’s interesting to look at now, at the standpoint at how Lexi Thompson acts in some events and how she handles herself to look back at such events, this post… ‘You know, maybe… there’s something’s there. But maybe there’s not.’” 

Meg added to her co-host’s point, “It’s just 2019 and she’s like half retired, half whatever, you wanna call it– she’s not coming back. She’s holding firm to this ‘I’m not showing up here.’”

To conclude, Matthew cleared, “So, I think this Stacy Lewis and this event… with Lexi blasting it, getting it aggregated to the media circles… led to the whole ‘Hey maybe this isn’t really a good golf tournament.’”

Adding insult to injury, Thompson accidentally left her passport in her golf bag that week, delaying the travel of nearly 40 players to the next major. Consequently, many missed their practice rounds, creating additional controversy around her departure.

Since then, Thompson has maintained what golf analysts have described as a silent protest. Her continued absence has raised questions about the tournament’s appeal among elite players. While other top players, such as Stacy Lewis and Angela Stanford, have criticized the course’s unpredictable conditions over the years, none have taken their frustrations as far as Thompson’s ongoing absence. Her sustained boycott stands alone among elite LPGA players as the most dramatic protest against the tournament.

Years have passed since Thompson initially voiced her displeasure, yet the boycott continues to affect the championship’s reputation. Meanwhile, the controversy has sparked broader discussions about course fairness and the standards for major championships.

Lexi Thompson’s Pattern of Challenging LPGA Governance

Thompson’s Evian boycott reflects her broader approach to managing the LPGA Tour. Throughout her career, she has consistently voiced concerns about Tour policies and conditions.

But recently, golf commentators defended Thompson during a podcast discussion. They highlighted her achievements while addressing common criticisms. “I think Lexi is playing more golf, playing better golf,” one analyst noted. However, fellow LPGA pro Mel Reid criticized Thompson’s communication approach regarding her retirement announcement.

Reid suggested Thompson mishandled the situation. “I don’t think she necessarily went about announcing her retirement from full-time play correctly,” Reid stated. This criticism highlights how Thompson’s outspoken nature can sometimes create confusion within the golf community.

Despite the debates, Thompson continues advocating for player rights and better tournament conditions. Her willingness to skip major championships sends a clear message to tour officials.

Currently, Thompson plays a limited schedule after announcing her step back from full-time competition. She recently completed eight tournaments and plans a five-week break. This schedule means missing both the Evian Championship and AIG Women’s Open.

Thompson’s boycott demonstrates how player influence extends beyond performance statistics. Her absence continues reminding everyone that even major championships must earn their participants’ respect.