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Lexi Thompson has clapped back at slow play critics after missing the cut at this week’s US Women’s Open.
The 30-year-old, who made her debut in the event at the age of 12, failed to make the weekend after finishing on three-over-par.
Thompson opened 73-74 at Erin Hills as she teed it up in a ‘super group’ that included England’s Charley Hull and world No.1 Nelly Korda.
But slow play reared its ugly head, with Hull spotted getting visibly frustrated waiting for Thompson. While the American putted out on the eighth hole on Thursday, Hull was pictured sat at the next tee.
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It was just one of several rounds that spilled into the six-hour mark and Thompson has now responded.
“Wasn’t the week I was hoping for,” she wrote on Instagram. “I just want to say a few things, first big thank you to the USGA, the volunteers, and fans for making this week possible.
“The US Women’s Open has always held a special place in my heart ever since I was 12, and it always will.
“In reality, my game wasn’t ready for the week even though I put a lot of hard work into it, but that wasn’t going to stop me fighting through the week.
“I also want to add on this, because pace of play was a huge talk this week. Want people to realise our group basically waited on every single hole on the group in front, we were never out of position/warned/or on the clock.
“I’ll be the first one to say I’m not as fast as my playing partners the two days, but I’m also the last person that wants to be out there for six hours.
“So, before you make assumptions, make sure you get all the facts right before basing it on pictures and little clips. That’s all!”
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Meanwhile, Thompson insisted that she has not fully retired from the LPGA Tour after stepping away from a full-time schedule this year.
Last May, she revealed that 2024 would be her final year playing as normal on the circuit.
“AND I’m not sure how many times I’ll have to repeat this, but I never used the word retire,” Thompson added.
“I said not a full-time schedule because I’m not sure how much I will play.
“Just taking it one at a time. That’s why I’m still playing the tournaments I actually enjoy or want to play in.”
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