U.S. Solheim Cup captain on Lexi Thompson in 2026: 'I would be crazy to leave her home'

NAPLES, Fla. — Lexi Thompson sailed into this year's CME Group Tour Championship field as a part-time player. The 30-year-old American star enjoyed a formal sendoff last year on the ninth green at Tiburon Golf Club, with flowers and hugs from family and friends.

And then, she came back, lighting up the green carpet on Monday night at the annual Rolex Awards Dinner with fiancé Max Provost by her side.

Thompson managed to qualify for the elite 60-player event making only 13 starts this season. She finished second at the Dow Championship with partner Megan Khang and fourth at the Meijer LPGA Classic. She also had two top-15 finishes at the majors: KPMG Women's PGA (T-12) and Chevron Championship (T-14).

Thompson has played in every CME field since 2011, with the exception of 2023, when she finished 79th on the points list.

"I was hoping that the few events I did play, that I would play well enough to be able to be here and be with the best players," said Thompson.

"It was different for sure, but it was nice. It was nice to be able have the life balance and pick and choose where I want to play, have those weeks off and spend time with family, my fiancé now, wedding plan and all those things. I was nice to have a little bit more of a life."

With Thompson maintaining strong form on such a small schedule, it begs the question: What about next year's Solheim?

U.S. captain Angela Stanford is certainly paying attention.

"I think, in my opinion, Lexi has earned the right to always be in consideration," said Stanford, who was in town early week for the CME. "That’s the ultimate."

The 47-year-old paused before adding with a smile, 'Wish I had that."

Thompson has played on every U.S. Solheim Cup team since 2013 and owns an overall 10-10-7 record. When asked if she's targeting another appearance, Thompson said Solheim is always on her mind and has played a huge role in her career.

"I think Angela knows that, but we’ll see," she said. "There are a lot of important things in my life."

Chief among those of course, being her March wedding. Thompson said she won't compete more next year in an effort to make the team.

The 2026 Solheim Cup will be contested in the Netherlands for the first time next September. Thompson didn't go over for the Scottish Open or AIG Women's British Open this year but with a spring wedding, perhaps will add tournaments on the back end that serve as good prep for Bernardus Golf. She said she will likely play in the Chevron Championship in late April, where she's a past champion.

Thompson's strong CME points ranking of 52nd is good enough to give her full flexibility in 2026.

While this is Stanford's first stint as captain, she's been around enough teams to know that what she needs in a good pick is someone to round out her team. With Thompson, she knows exactly what she's getting.

"I think if Lexi plays to her abilities," said Stanford, "I would be crazy to leave her home."