Lexi Thompson announced on social media on Wednesday that she was officially withdrawing from the Ricoh Women’s British Open next week amidst a short leave of absence in which she plans to “take some time to work on (herself).”
Thompson posted a photo to Instagram detailing her recent struggles.
“Hi everyone, I wanted to let you know that I am officially withdrawing from the 2018 Ricoh Women’s British Open,” she wrote. “It is extremely difficult for me not to play in this prestigious Major, but I realized recently that I need to take some time to work on myself.
“The events of the past year and a half (on and off the golf course) have taken a tremendous toll on me both mentally and emotionally. I have not truly felt like myself for quite some time. I am therefore taking this time to recharge my mental batteries, and to focus on myself away from the game of professional golf. Thank you all so much for your continued support.
“I hope to see everyone soon as I plan to defend my title at the 2018 Indy Women in Tech Championship.”
Thompson has yet to win in 2018 despite finishing inside the top-10 five times this season. She ranks fifth in the world and 15th in the LPGA Tour’s Race to the CIMB Globe, their version of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup.
Thompson has detailed some off-the-course stress on over the past few months, headlined by the news that her mother was battling and has since beaten uterine cancer.
Thompson hopes to return to competitive golf next month to defend her title at the Indy Women in Tech Championship.
