The tearful exit at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open cut deep. As Lexi Thompson walked off the course after missing yet another crucial putt, cameras captured the devastating emotional toll of a game that can be brutally unforgiving. Behind closed doors, however, one companion has remained steadfastly by her side through every triumph and heartbreak, offering the kind of unwavering support that even the most loyal caddie couldn’t match.
Now, as Thompson continues her comeback journey at the Ford Championship, she’s taking a moment to acknowledge her furry support system. The 29-year-old recently took to Instagram with a touching tribute to her dog, Leo, whom she describes as her “best little friend ever.” This emotional post comes months after she began her return to competitive golf, having stepped away from full-time competition in late 2024.
“In 2018 I went into Heavenly Puppies looking to volunteer, and I walked out with my best little friend ever,” Thompson wrote in her heartfelt Instagram story. “He has brought me joy in times that were so hard, and has given me unconditional love every day,” she added alongside a tearful emoji and a declaration of how lucky she feels to have Leo in her life.
The timing of this tribute isn’t coincidental. Thompson shared it alongside her Instagram stories of herself standing with fellow golfers at the Ford Championship’s Pro-Am day, signaling her official return to competitive golf. For many athletes, pets provide crucial emotional stability amid the pressure of professional sports. Leo has clearly been that anchor for Thompson during some of her most challenging professional moments.
This canine companion entered Thompson’s life at a pivotal time, just as she was beginning to experience the mental health struggles that would eventually lead to her stepping back from the tour. Throughout her career’s rollercoaster, Leo has remained her constant, offering what she calls “unconditional love every day.”
Leo’s unwavering support becomes even more significant when examining the professional challenges that prompted Thompson’s brief departure from the game she loves.
Lexi Thompson’s tumultuous journey back to the LPGA Tour
Thompson’s road hasn’t been smooth in recent years. After turning professional at just 15 and quickly establishing herself with 11 LPGA Tour victories, including a major title at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship, she faced mounting pressures that took their toll.
In October 2024, she made the hard decision to retire from full-time competition, describing tour life as “lonely” and emphasizing her need to focus on personal well-being. “Since I was 12 years old, my life as a golfer has been a whirlwind of constant attention, scrutiny, and pressure,” Thompson explained at the time of her retirement announcement.
But completely walking away from the game proved impossible. Earlier this year, she made a surprise return at the 2025 Founders Cup, where she finished tied for 13th at 9-under par. This performance earned her 4.29 points and helped improve her Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking to 50th as of March 23, 2025. Two-time Solheim Cup captain Stacy Lewis noted marked improvements in her game: “Looks great, more in control, and just hitting her irons much better than most of what I saw last year.”
Now, with Leo by her side and a renewed approach to her career, Thompson is selectively playing events where she “feels ready.” Her current world ranking still qualifies her for major championships, including the Chevron Championship, where she’s a past champion.
As Thompson navigates this new chapter in her career, balancing competitive golf with personal happiness, it’s clear that her “best little friend ever” remains an essential part of her support system. What role do you think emotional support animals play in helping athletes manage the intense pressures of professional sports? Let us know in the comments section below!
The post ‘Best Little Friend’: Lexi Thompson Pens Emotional Note to Her ‘Unconditional Love’ Amid LPGA Return appeared first on EssentiallySports.
