This month we catch up with 12th ranked LPGA's Lexi Thompson. We talk with her about how she came to golf, her passion for the sport representing Team USA at the Olympics and her career. We also talk with her about her skincare line, Lexi Skin and why she has included this within her portfolio.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with golf as we know that both of your brothers are professional golfers as well?
LEXI THOMPSON: I first fell in love with the game when I was 5 years old watching my brothers begin to compete in local junior golf tournaments.
AM: When did you realize that you wanted to go professional?
LT: By the time I was 9 years old, I was consistently winning junior golf tournaments and was encouraged by my family to continue the process of improving my game with the hopes of one day playing professionally.
AM: I know that your schedule in the LPGA is busy, what is a typical week like when you’re on the course and in the gym when you’re preparing for your next tournament?
LT: Weeks out on the LPGA Tour can sometimes be long and strenuous. I often arrive to a golf tournament on Monday of tournament week with two practice rounds prior to the first round of competition. When I’m at home, I work out twice in the gym daily. I always like to work out in the morning as I am an early riser and typically will do cardio later in the day.
AM: With a number of tournaments throughout the year, when does the golf season start and end?
LT: The LPGA tour schedule is very busy between the months of March and October. I used to travel globally for many years. As I'm now entering my 12th year on the LPGA Tour I don’t play as many events as I once did, and I try to stay in the United States as much as possible to focus on my other interests outside of golf like my skin care line.
AM: What is your next tournament that we should keep an eye out for? When will this be published?
LT: November 11-14th, it’s the Pelican Women’s Championship.
AM: When it’s tournament time, do you have a series of routines that you do to get into a mindset that optimizes your play?
LT: My routine is extremely important to my success on the golf course. Prior to leaving for a tournament, I typically play multiple rounds of golf at my home course before leaving. I try to put the least amount of stress on my body during a tournament week, so I am prepared to go for round one and maintain my energy through the final round. By keeping a consistent routine, I am able to perform at the highest level consistently.
AM: What’s your favorite tournament to play?
LT: The ANA Inspiration is my favorite tournament – my win there in 2014 was special!
AM: In doing research for our interview with you, I saw that you are considering to play on the PGA Tour! Only 7 women have done this previously. Are you still thinking of doing this and do you have a course in mind?
LT: I’ve always wanted to play a PGA TOUR event to see how my game stacks up against the men. I've always thought I would have a chance to make the cut on a golf course that is close to 7000 yards.
AM: You have great partners/sponsors including Red Bull, Puma Golf, Rolex and Bentley to name a few, how important is it for you to have these relationships and their support?
LT: Partnerships are an extremely important part of my success as a professional golfer. Over my eleven-year career, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest brands in the world. They have helped me grow as a person and develop great relationships.
AM: You are a 2X Olympian, what’s it like representing the US on a global stage?
LT: There is nothing like representing your country on a global stage like The Olympics. Being a two-time Olympian is one of the greatest honors I’ve had in my career.
AM: During the off season, what can we find you doing?
LT: During my off-season you’ll most likely find me in the gym. Fitness is an extremely important part of my routine and has become an extremely important part of my overall life.
AM: Last year, your website Lexi Thompson got a rebrand with Lexi Golf, Lexi Fitness and Lexi Skin. Before we delve into Lexi Skin, what can your fans expect when they come to your site?
LT: For the first time in my career, I decided to develop my own brand. The Lexi brand is coming to life and I’m excited to have three different components to the brand. Lexi Golf, Lexi Skin and Lexi Fitness will all be different avenues that I will focus on as I enter the next stage of my professional life.
AM: Last month was National Women’s Small Business Month and the third week of the same month is National Business Women's Week, what led you to launching Lexi Skin and partnering with Dr. Swift?
LT: Skincare has always been a passion of mine. Playing golf and outdoor sports my whole life, I have had a ton of sun exposure. I have really had to learn how to protect my skin and as I have become a little older, prevent it from premature aging. I was introduced to Dr. Arthur Swift and Dr. Stewart Davis, and together we have developed unique anti-aging skin care products that are highly effective and priced appropriately for active women like me.
AM: Copper is known for its antimicrobial properties, but copper peptides for potential age-defying benefits may not be as known. Do all of the products have copper peptides which penetrate and stimulate collagen in the skin? Tell me a bit about the assortment that is currently available in Lexi Skin and what are your 3 go to products that you enjoy using?
LT: All of our products have copper peptides and our proprietary delivery system for these copper peptides. That is what is so unique. We can get our copper peptides into the skin to work their magic. Copper is naturally antimicrobial for sure, but it also naturally stimulates collagen and is anti-inflammatory. That is what makes it so special for skin care. I really can’t pick just three. I love them all and use them all. We have our 5 targeted products. Eye cream, face cream, neck cream, hand cream and foot cream. Then we have our silky-smooth facial cleanser. And finally, our amazing scar gel that works great for all new cuts and burns.
AM: It’s worth noting that the brand is Leaping Bunny certified and makes annual donations to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. How important was it to you to create this kind of impact by the brand?
LT: The Susan G Komen Foundation has an important tie to my own life. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago. I’ve always felt it’s extremely important to give back to a foundation such as Susan G. Komen as they work to find a cure, as well as comfort and support those living with breast cancer, and advocate for access to care for all.
AM: When you’re not playing or working on your skincare line, how do you take time for yourself?
LT: Spending time with family and friends, and my dog, Leo. I also love laying by the pool or the beach.
AM: You were the youngest golfer to ever qualify to play in the U.S. Women’s Open and have received 11 career victories, what legacy do you want to leave on the sport?
LT: I want to leave the sport in a better place than it was when I first started by growing the game and being a role model for young girls who have the same aspirations that I did when I was their age.
IG @Lexi
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 80 + 90 Lexi Thompson | PG 82 - 89 Red Bull |
Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see Link to Better Beauty with Lexi Thompson in mag.
