GOLF: Lexi Thompson's U.S. Women's Open streak in jeopardy

Lexi Thompson’s streak of 19 consecutive U.S. Women’s Open appearances is in jeopardy after she withdrew from a Florida qualifier. The 31-year-old, who began the run as a 12-year-old record youngest qualifier, can still earn a spot through a win or ranking rise before the June tournament.

FIELD LEVEL MEDIA / Reuters

May 7, 2026

United States’ Lexi Thompson hits a tee shot on the first hole during the first round of The Chevron Championship golf tournament in Houston, Texas, United States, on April 23, 2026.

Erik Williams / Reuters

Lexi Thompson’s bid to extend her streak of 19 consecutive appearances at the U.S. Women's Open is now in doubt after she withdrew from a qualifying event in Florida on Wednesday.

The streak began in 2007, when a 12-year-old Thompson became the youngest qualifier in tournament history at the time, marking the start of one of the most consistent runs in the championship’s modern era.

Now 31, Thompson stepped away from full-time competition after the 2024 LPGA Tour season. The 11-time LPGA Tour winner has struggled in recent U.S. Women’s Open appearances, missing the cut in each of the last three editions. Her best finish remains a tie for second place in 2019 at the Country Club of Charleston. Her lone major title came at the 2014 Chevron Championship.

Thompson was scheduled to compete in a 36-hole qualifier at the Wilderness Country Club in Naples, Florida, but her withdrawal leaves her qualification path uncertain.

She still has two remaining ways to enter the field for the June 4–7 tournament at Riviera Country Club: winning an LPGA Tour event or moving into the top 75 of the Rolex Rankings by May 25. Thompson is currently ranked 94th.

Her streak of consecutive U.S. Women’s Open appearances is tied for the longest among active players with South Korea’s Amy Yang. -Field Level Media/Reuters