Lexi Thompson mastering the balance of part-time tour play, set for Meijer LPGA Classic

BELMONT - Lexi Thompson doesn't play every tournament anymore.

The major champion and one of the faces of the LPGA Tour is looking for a balance between her personal life and her career, so she has stepped back from being a fulltime player.

But there are certain tournaments she knows are on her schedule, and one of those is the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give.

"It has been very important for me (to find the balance). I made the decision about two years ago and it was time. I am 31 and this is my 16th or 17th year on tour. I wanted to be able to have more of a life balance," Thompson said. "This life has been amazing, but I just got married and I want to be able to settle down and start a family and be able to be home and not miss things. Having the balance has been so important for my mind."

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That allows her to pick and choose when she is ready to contend in a tournament.

"Tournament-wise, I know what courses set up for my game and what works with my schedule," she said. "But it is really about how my game is. I don't want to get up for an event if I don't feel like I can win it."

The tournament, in its 12th year, runs June 18-21 at Blythefield Country Club. The event has raised more than $13 million for local food pantries in the Midwest over the years and has a goal of raising $1.5 million this year - a part of the week that is not lost on the players.

"Seeing that in action and having the direct impact is very special … This is one of the favorite stops on tour for the players. We know Meijer is one of the best events we have," Thompson said. "We always feel so welcome. They make a point to ask the players what can make it better, and that is what makes this such a favorite, (helping each other)."

Thompson has been a star at Blythefield. She won the tournament in 2015 and has been in contention nearly every year, earning several top-five finishes.

"I get to hit a good amount of drivers out here, and you have to have a birdie streak. You have to hit a lot of birdies," she said. "It is almost like a second home for me. I stay with the same host family an everyone is just so welcoming. Winning it was one of my best memories on tour."