Two-time major winner So Yeon Ryu has announced her intention to retire later this spring in a heartfelt Instagram post. The 33-year-old professional golfer from South Korea shared a poignant hand-written note expressing her gratitude and emotions as she revealed her decision to retire after the upcoming Chevron Championship.
In her touching Instagram post, Ryu reflected on her journey as a professional golfer, expressing her immense gratitude for the love and support she has received throughout her career. She recounted her debut on the LPGA Tour in 2012, where she secured the title of Rookie of the Year, and later went on to win six times on the LPGA Tour, including her first major victory at the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open.
Ryu had continued success at the U.S. Women’s Open, consistently finishing in the top 10 over the years. Her crowning achievement came in 2017 when she emerged victorious at the Chevron Championship, earning her the prestigious LPGA Player of the Year honors. This victory also propelled her to the top spot in the world rankings that same year.
Despite her impressive track record, Ryu has yet to compete on the LPGA circuit this season, with her last victory worldwide taking place at the 2020 Korean Women’s Open. In her note, Ryu expressed her excitement at the prospect of meeting her friends on tour and thanked her fans and colleagues for their unwavering support.
As she bids farewell to professional golf, Ryu’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that has left an indelible mark on the sport. After more than a decade of competing at the highest level, she leaves behind a legacy of determination, skill, and sportsmanship that will be remembered for years to come.
Zephyr Melton, Golf.com Editor, eloquently captured the sentiments expressed by So Yeon Ryu in her Instagram note, emphasizing the emotional impact of her retirement announcement. Melton acknowledged Ryu’s significant contributions to professional golf and the outpouring of support she has received from the golfing community.
Ryu’s retirement announcement has resonated throughout the golfing world, prompting an outpouring of tributes and well-wishes from fans, fellow athletes, and industry professionals. Her decision to step away from professional golf marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the sport and underscores the profound impact she has had on the game.
As So Yeon Ryu prepares to bid adieu to the LPGA Tour after the upcoming Chevron Championship, the golfing community stands in solidarity, applauding her illustrious career and celebrating the countless accomplishments she has achieved on and off the course.
In conclusion, So Yeon Ryu’s retirement announcement has sparked an outpouring of support and admiration from the golfing world. Her poignant Instagram note and illustrious career stand as a testament to her unwavering dedication and indelible impact on professional golf. As she prepares for the next chapter in her life, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and resonate with fans, aspiring athletes, and industry professionals alike.