US Women's Open: Lexi Thompson Fires Back amid Slow Play Controversy

Newsweek

02-06-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Slow play has long been an issue on the LPGA Tour, sparking debates among players and fans alike. Back in 2024, Lexi Thompson herself had voiced concerns, admitting, "I don't really know why it's gotten worse, but it has unfortunately."
Fast forward to the 2025 U.S. Women's Open, and the irony was hard to ignore. Thompson found herself in the spotlight for appearing to play slowly, with Charley Hull visibly frustrated by the pace.
From the very first hole, Hull's impatience looked evident as Thompson took her time over a putt, prompting Hull to let out a noticeable sigh—a moment caught on camera and quickly circulated across social media.
ERIN, WISCONSIN - MAY 29: Lexi Thompson of the United States looks on from the third tee during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open presented by Ally 2025 at Erin Hills Golf Course...
ERIN, WISCONSIN - MAY 29: Lexi Thompson of the United States looks on from the third tee during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open presented by Ally 2025 at Erin Hills Golf Course on May 29, 2025 in Erin, Wisconsin. (Photo by) More
Getty Images
What followed was even more dramatic: on the par-4 8th, Hull finished ahead of Thompson, and instead of waiting, walked to the ninth tee and sat on the grass, visibly relaxed while Thompson methodically wrapped up her hole.
The clip of Hull's frustration went viral on social media, more and more people drew Thompson into the discussion, prompting her to respond.
Taking to Instagram, Lexi Thompson addressed the backlash directly.
"Wasn't the week I was hoping for," Thompson admitted. But she made sure to set the record straight on the controversy.
"I want people to realize our group basically waited on every single hole on the group in front. We were never out of position/warned/or on 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."
As Thompson voiced her views, it raised a critical question: Was she really to blame for the slow pace, or was she just the easiest target?
It's worth noting that Charley Hull and Nelly Korda are among the fastest players on the LPGA circuit, making their playing partners look slower by comparison.
Meanwhile, Hull herself had her own struggles throughout the round—misreading putts, missing fairways, and battling her own frustrations.
In the end, the group wrapped up their round in five and a half hours, a pace far from ideal but not entirely Thompson's fault.
Lexi Thompson was not the only one
The broader slow-play issue, however, was undeniable. Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols highlighted the chaos at Erin Hills, tweeting:
"Coverage was supposed to conclude at 5 PM!" before revealing that the final group took over three hours just to play the front nine—setting up a possible six-hour round.
Coverage was supposed to conclude at 5 pm! — Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) May 31, 2025
The LPGA had already introduced stricter pace-of-play policies back in March, imposing fines and penalties for delays, but enforcement remained inconsistent.
As for Thompson, her situation is more complicated than a single tournament issue.
She's not competing full-time anymore, making adjusting to major events even tougher. That alone could explain some of the struggles she's facing on the course.
But if you know Thompson, she is candid, honest and a competitor by heart.
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