SO SAD TO SAY GOODBYE: LEXI THOMPSON GIVES THREE REASON WHY SHE WILL BE LEAVING TODAY SHE SAID……………

SO SAD TO SAY GOODBYE: LEXI THOMPSON GIVES THREE REASON WHY SHE WILL LEAVING TODAY SHE SAID……………

---

The Dana Open announced that the tournament round on Friday, July 19th, will be dedicated to Lexi Thompson, who recently revealed she will retire from full-time play on the LPGA Tour at the end of the 2024 season.

“I’m honored that the Dana Open has chosen to recognize me on Friday of tournament week,” said Thompson upon learning about the special day. “I always love coming to Toledo to see all the amazing fans and hopefully inspire the younger generation of golfers. The Dana Open’s commitment to children’s charities is incredible, and I hope that by us playing, we can inspire others and make a difference.”

Thompson, 29, has 11 LPGA Tour victories and has represented the United States in six Solheim Cup Matches, including in 2021 at Inverness Club and 2023 in Spain.

“Lexi has been crucial to the LPGA Tour’s success and growth over the past 14 years, and we felt this was the perfect time to honor her contributions to golf,” said Dana Open tournament director Judd Silverman. “Lexi has advanced women’s golf while inspiring kids to pursue their passions and dream big. She has signed countless hats, gloves, balls, and flags and has frequently accepted sponsors’ requests for appearances. Tournament Friday is a great opportunity for the community to show Lexi our appreciation for everything she has done for kids and golf.”

“While it is never easy to say goodbye, it is indeed time,” Thompson wrote in a statement released at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open in May. “At the end of 2024, I will be stepping away from a full professional golf schedule. I’m excited to enjoy the rest of the year as there are still goals I want to achieve. I look forward to the next chapter of my life, spending time with friends, family, and my trusted dog Leo. I will always seek ways to contribute to the sport and inspire the next generation of golfers.”

The 40th annual Dana Open will take place from July 18-21 at Highland Meadows Golf Club, with 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.