Lexi Thompson is playing in the 2017 KPMG Women's PGA Championship with a lot on her mind outside of the ropes after learning in May that her mom is battling uterine cancer.
Thompson had refused all media requests leading into the LPGA's second major of the year at Olympia Fields near Chicago, and she had drawn criticism in light of similar recent access issues on the PGA Tour. However, her agent, Bobby Kruesler, told Golfweek that Thompson is doing so because of the diagnosis her mom, Judy, received after Lexi won the Kingsmill Championship in Virginia last month.
Judy, a breast cancer survivor, began experiencing health issues at that tournament near Williamsburg, and went home to south Florida to undergo a biopsy, which showed uterine cancer. On June 6, according to Golfweek, Thompson had surgery to remove the tumor. Judy encouraged Lexi, as well her fellow pro golfer brothers Nicholas and Curtis, to continue competing as she began her battle.
Lexi returned home to Florida last week to be along her mother's side while she undergoes radiation therapy.
Thompson wanted to avoid media interviews because of the heavy emotional toll the diagnosis has taken on her and her entire family, while also wanting to concentrate on preparing as best she can given the circumstances.
Indications are the cancer has not metastasized, and the hope is for Judy Thompson to be traveling again with her daughter at the U.S. Women's Open.