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US the favorite entering Lexi Thompson’s final Solheim Cup

AP photo by Matt York / U.S. team member Lexi Thompson hits from the fourth tee at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club during a practice round for the Solheim Cup, which starts Thursday in Gainesville, Va.
AP photo by Matt York / U.S. team member Lexi Thompson hits from the fourth tee at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club during a practice round for the Solheim Cup, which starts Thursday in Gainesville, Va. AP photo by Matt York / U.S. team member Lexi Thompson hits from the fourth tee at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club during a practice round for the Solheim Cup, which starts Thursday in Gainesville, Va.

By BEN NUCKOLS / The Associated Press 5 min read

GAINESVILLE, Va. — Lexi Thompson worked her way down the rope line between the second and third holes at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on Thursday, signing dozens of hats, flags and golf balls.

The fans on the other side, worried they would miss their chance with the U.S. Solheim Cup team’s most popular player, began chanting, “Lexi! Lexi!” Thompson obliged, finally informing her still-waiting supporters: “Sorry, guys, I’ve got to go hit, OK?”

There was a practice round to play, after all. Then she stopped again to sign the hats of two school-age girls and the vest of a service dog.

“We’re excited for you, and we’re excited for your retirement,” one fan told Thompson. “Enjoy life.”

The Solheim Cup begins Friday about 40 miles west of Washington, D.C., at this battle-tested venue that has hosted four editions of the Presidents Cup. And if it’s truly Thompson’s last as a player, she’s going out on top — at least in the eyes of American golf fans, teammates and captain Stacy Lewis.