Founders Award Winner Lexi Thompson Hopes to Leave Lasting Impact on Those Around Her | LPGA

Lexi Thompson probably signs thousands of autographs each year.

As one of the most famous players on the LPGA Tour, it’s easy to lose count of how many times she writes her name on gloves, balls, hats, and pin flags in a single season. Even golf bags and shoes have received her signature over the years.

Ironically, many people can’t recognize her signature, as Alexis Thompson isn’t immediately recognizable to most women’s golf fans.

“Alexis Thompson isn’t the shortest of names, but I haven’t perfected Lexi yet. So, I’m gonna just stick with Alexis Thompson,” said Thompson about her signature. “Everybody sees that and is like, ‘Who’s the A?’ And I’m like, ‘That’s me.’ I just haven’t gotten the L down. I’ve signed Alexis since I was in the car going to my first U.S. Women’s Open, so I’m sticking with it.”

But regardless of her performance, both kids and adults always seek Thompson’s autographs and selfies, eager to connect with one of the game’s modern icons. She entertains each and every one of them, recognizing the lasting impact of those brief interactions on spectators, likely making them fans of the LPGA Tour for years to come.

And her participation in pre-tournament pro-ams is equally significant. It’s rare to see Thompson turn down an opportunity to play in these events—a tradition at LPGA Tour tournaments since 1950.

She was eventually named the recipient of the 2023 Founders Award, an honor bestowed upon an LPGA member who embodies the spirit, ideals, and values of the organization through her behavior and deeds, both on and off the golf course.

“It means the world to me, not only to receive the (Founders Award) but just to have the respect of my fellow players out there. And just showing that there’s more to it than the golf side of things,” said Thompson of the honor. “It’s a matter of caring for the sponsors, your fellow competitors, and giving back to the game instead of all about winning and performing well. That’s what means the most to me.”

Thompson’s career has always been about more than just golf. She recognizes her place in the game and uses the platform to grow it, whether through autographs, interactions with kids, causes she supports, and even her appearance in the Shriners Children’s Open in October.

She aspires to be a role model for young players and to give back to a sport that has given her so much.

“I’m very focused on my golf game as well. But I love to give back and see the fans out there and interact with all volunteers. That’s how my mom raised me,” said Thompson.

She understands that on-course accomplishments are often fleeting, but how she treats people will be remembered. It’s not about titles or scores, but about creating a lasting impact and making people feel special and appreciated.

“Nancy Lopez, for example, she’s my biggest role model besides my mother, and everybody says how amazing of a person she is. Over all of her accomplishments, they say how great she is to the fans, to the sponsors and how she’s given back. I think that goes way further than accomplishments,” stated Thompson.

It’s those little things that make the most difference, create lifelong LPGA Tour fans, and leave a lasting legacy long after a career has ended.

Ultimately, Thompson now measures her worth on the golf course not by her scores or wins, but by the impact she has on others and the positivity she brings.