Lexi Thompson

Set to step away from full-time professional golf next year, Lexi Thompson said it would be a ‘dream come true’ if she triumphed in the AIG Women’s Open this week.

The 29-year-old announced in May that she would quit the LPGA Tour to spend more time with family and friends.

The Floridian will compete until the end of 2024 – and will hand-pick certain events next year – but this could well be her final appearance at this Championship.

“It would mean the world to me, honestly,” said Lexi on the prospect of lifting the trophy on Sunday.

“At the home of golf? It doesn't get much better than that. And being a major championship, it would be a dream come true.

“But there's so much golf to be played, and weeks like this you just have to stay in the moment and take one shot at a time, be patient, know there will be bad breaks or some bad shots.

“I haven't really thought about this being my last because there's more opportunities next year if I wanted.

“But that would be a dream of mine. I'll see what I can do.”

Lexi made her first appearance in the AIG Women’s Open as a teenager in 2012, finishing in a tie for 17th.

A missed cut and a place outside the top 50 followed in the next two years before she put together a run of four top-17 finishes in five years, including a T8 return in 2016; her best Championship finish.

Lexi has won 15 times on the LPGA Tour, with the highlight of her career arriving in 2014 when she won her only major, the Kraft Nabisco Championship.

Lexi missed the cut the last time the AIG Women’s Open was staged at St Andrews, in 2013, but she is delighted to have returned.

She said: “It's a big deal to be here at the home of golf.

“It's such a special place. The golf course is one thing, [an] amazing golf course.

“But just walking around the town, just the people that are out, they just love the game of golf. They respect it. They're just such genuine people.

“I think all of us players just love coming back to the home of golf. The course is in great shape. [The] weather is a little patchy, but we expect that. It's great to be back here.”

Asked if a victory this week would force her to change her decision, Lexi was certain.

“I haven't had any doubt,” she said. “But like I said, it's just [stepping away] from full-time [golf].

“I could tee it up a few more times next year. But I'm very content with my decision, and I think that's what will make me happiest inside.”