Lexi Thompson has decided to skip next week's Ricoh Women's British Open, choosing to spend time at home in Florida in an effort to get in a small break in her golf life.
Taking to Instagram to make the surprise announcement, Thompson explained she needed a break after a slew of personal and professional events from which she hasn't had much time to absorb.
Here's her Instagram explanation:
"I wanted to let you know that I am officially withdrawing from the 2018 Ricoh Women's British Open. 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."
From supporting her mom as she battles cancer, to what happened at the ANA Inspiration in 2017, to the run of runner-up finishes on the LPGA, to I'm certain other things we don't know, Thompson hasn't taken much of a break from golf in the last two years. She plays a lot.
However, Thompson's break will end after the Women's British Open, as she'll defend the following week in Indianapolis. It's unclear her schedule for the remainder of the year after that title defense, but perhaps this time off will be instructive of how she plans to get through the season's end in the fall.
