Major winner Lexi Thompson to retire at 29 after rollercoaster career

• Golfer qualified for US Women's Open at age of 12
• American had number of near misses at majors

Lexi Thompson is retiring this year from full-time competition, ending a career defined by her powerful game, appeal to young fans and plenty of star-crossed moments in majors.

Thompson will this week play in her 18th US Women's Open, and the fact she is only 29 speaks to a career that began at such a young age.