"Ever since I was super young I have held a lot in"- Lexi Thompson gets emotional after finishing her last tournament on the LPGA Tour

The last round of the CME Group Tour Championship on Sunday, November 24 marked the end of Lexi Thompson's professional golf career. While she doesn't anticipate stepping away entirely, she has now retired following the conclusion of the CME Group Tour Championship.

Thompson finished tied for 49th after a two-under showing. After the round, the American golfer was asked if she was finally letting herself feel the emotions of retiring. It has been months since she announced her decision, but it's just now become official.

In response, Thompson said (via ASAP Sports):

"I think ever since I was super young I have held a lot in, and just -- sorry. No, I've held a lot in. I think as athletes you're always told to be strong and be intimidating on the golf course. Don't show any sign the weakness."

She continued, adding that she held things in for a while even though it got to her on occasion. Thompson admitted it was hard, and that everybody goes through things. It's just about "how much you're willing to hold in and let people in," she said.

The Solheim Cup star added:

"Yeah, it's kind of like the time I'm actually letting myself feel those emotions and actually be real."

Thompson reiterated before the tournament that while she wasn't going back on her decision to retire, there may be some tournaments next year on the LPGA Tour that she could play in.

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Lexi Thompson addresses finishing illustrious golf career

Lexi Thompson has officially retired from golf (Image via Imagn)

Ever since she was a teenager, Lexi Thompson has been heavily involved in the sport of golf and the LPGA Tour. Sunday's final round marked an emotional day for the golfer, who wrapped up a long and illustrious career.

Reflecting on her final round at the Tiburon Golf Club, Thompson said:

"Yeah, it was very emotional. Really wasn't until I got to No. 9 for some reason. Kind of all hit me."

Lexi Thompson added that the CME Group Tour Championship, which Atthaya Thitikul won, is "always a special week." She frequently has friends and family there and it concludes a long season, and Thompson said the fans are "unbelievable" every year.

The golfer went on:

"It's kind of a home town event being from Florida so always held a special place in my heart. Yeah, it's a memory that I'll always cherish forever, always coming here. It's not the game that I wanted to play, but there is more important things."

Thompson said that she's "incredibly blessed" to have the support system of friends and family around her, without whom she "wouldn't be here." She anticipated trying to give back to the sport next year and beyond, now that she has more free time and is not a full-time player.