‘Really Sad’: Danielle Kang, Nelly Korda, and More Overcome With Emotions as Former No. 1 LPGA Star Reveals Shock Retirement

Retirements at an early age are not uncommon on the LPGA Tour. Yet, it never fails to leave the world in shock. So Yeon Ryu announced that the 2024 Chevron Championship would be the last tournament of her career. Before her, Michelle Wie West shockingly retired at the age of 33. Even Annika Sorenstam exited at her peak, and Lydia Ko already expressed her desire to hang up her clubs even before turning 30.

Nevertheless, Ryu’s decision caught many off guard. And if anything, reactions from her LPGA peers evince that the life of a professional golfer who has reached the peak only gets tougher with time.

Danielle Kang is left teary-eyed

For Danielle Kang, this is sort of a reality check. The six-time LPGA Tour winner said, “I don’t know why I’m crying, but I feel like there has been so much change out here and you can’t — change is inevitable, right? I just feel one by one my ‘eonnis’, which means older sister, are taking on a new chapter. It’s like I’m so proud of them, and yet like really sad about it.” Ryu has had a garlanded career marked by two major victories and six titles on the LPGA Tour. But Kang knows this is a demanding sport where fans want you to scale another peak just after you climb the most difficult one.

Kang added, “Sometimes when you have been at the top — she’s been world No. 1, major champion, done everything she needed to do, but golf is just never-ending. People always want more. They want you to win the next one.” It’s not “an easy life, an easy lifestyle,” reminded Danielle Kang.

Even So Yeon Ryu admitted that she had been through “bad patches.” Her last LPGA Tour victory came in 2018 at the Meijer LPGA Classic. Last year, the former US Women’s Open champion missed seven cuts from the 11 outings, with a lone T7 at the Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America to show for herself. But Kang felt “she [Ryu] held on as long as she could.”

Brooke Henderson had a similar response. The Canadian went head-to-head with the former World No. 1 on the moving day of the 2022 Amundi Evian Championship. Eventually, the 26-year-old scored her second major victory, while Ryu fell to the eighth spot in the final round. Henderson said in the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship press conference, “So Yeon has had an incredible career. She’s been a great presence out on tour. She’s very kind to the fans and the players.” Aside from Henderson and Kang, Ryu’s peers on the Tour poured on Instagram, where she announced her retirement.

LPGA Hall of farmer salutes Ryu’s glorious feat

So Yeon Ryu joined the Tour in 2012, but her lone major triumph came a year before at the US Women’s Open. The 2012 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year wrote on her Instagram post that, “After deciding to retire, I spent much time looking back on my career. So many memories came flooding back, and I felt so many emotions. I’m looking forward to giving a big hug to all of my friends on tour soon. I sincerely appreciate all of your love and support throughout the years.” 

Expressing love and affection, Nelly Korda left three heart-hands emoji on her social media post. Her elder sister, Jessica Korda, wrote, “Congratulations on an amazing career! Can’t wait to see what you do next! Thank you for all the memories.” Celine Boutier left a note from the other side of the pond. “We’ll miss you!! congrats on your amazing career.” LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam, who broke her retirement to play the 2023 US Women’s Open on a special exemption, commented, “You should be very proud. A wonderful career and true ambassador to the game. Good luck in your next chapter!”

It is perhaps fitting that Ryu’s announcement came just when the Fir Hill Seri Pak Championship is going on stateside. The tournament previously called the Dio Implant Open was renamed in honor of Seri Pak, the South Korean legend, who also left the stage a little earlier than expected. 

Read More: LPGA News: Winners Without Membership to Earn Rolex POY Points & More