Life’s next fairway awaits Ally Ewing with open arms. Months after Lexi Thompson’s retirement announcement, Ally Ewing’s sudden retirement announcement has left the LPGA Tour community reeling. Fans flooded her retirement post with messages, showing an outpouring of love and admiration from the golf world. Fresh from her thrilling Solheim Cup victory in Virginia, Ewing departs with the U.S. team’s triumph still resonating. The 31-year-old, with four Solheim Cup appearances under her belt, cited it as the highest honor of her career.

But in the midst of all the nostalgia and accolades, one tribute stood out—a heartfelt message from Lexi Thompson, Ally’s partner in crime on and off the course. Thompson was among the first to chime in, pouring her heart out on social media. “Love ya ally!! You deserve every bit of what else life has in store,” she wrote. “Thank you for always being such an amazing person and friend ❤️.” Although few, her words spoke volumes about the unbreakable bond between these two golfing stars. 

The 11-time LPGA Tour pro’s heartfelt message to Ewing resonated deeply with her own. In May, she announced her plans to retire from professional golf. “While it is never easy to say goodbye, it is indeed time. At the end of 2024, I will be stepping away from a full professional golf schedule,” citing a desire to prioritize family and personal life. “To settle down, get married, have a family. That’s my No. 1 priority,” she shared ahead of the 2024 AIG Open in a press conference.

However, as the golf community celebrated Ally Ewing’s storied career, other LPGA stars joined Lexi Thompson in paying tribute. Jessica Korda, on her Instagram story, congratulated Ewing on her “beautiful career,” eagerly anticipating her “next chapter. Lilia Vu, the world No. 2, affectionately wrote, “Gonna miss you, Ally! Love ya ❤️”. The young prodigy, Rose Zhang, also chimed in, “Awww love u Ally 🥹❤️.” The heartfelt messages kept pouring in.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda also added her connection with Ewing, a testament to her lasting impact on the sport. Korda wrote, “Ally 🥹!!! I feel truly lucky to have been able to spend time with you!! Being your partner and teammate was always so much fun 😍 You’re a pure soul 🫶🏼”

With Thompson also preparing to hang up her golf clubs, their shared transition underscores the bond between these golfing greats. However, as they embrace life’s next fairway together, Ewing’s heartfelt retirement message revealed a deeper story of triumph, struggle, and gratitude.

After Lexi Thompson, Ally Ewing’s emotional retirement message

As the 31-year-old golf star bid farewell to her illustrious career, her heartfelt video message revealed a mix of sadness and relief. “It is with a heavy but grateful heart that I want to announce that I’ll be retiring from professional golf at the end of this year,” Ewing began, her voice filled with sincerity. As she looked back on her career, her words painted a picture of a small-town girl living her dream. Her words painted a picture of a small-town girl who dared to dream big. 

Her humility shone through as she acknowledged, “When I envisioned my career, I never dreamed this small-town Mississippi girl could have had the career that God has blessed me with.” However, beneath the triumphs, Ewing’s message also exposed the sacrifices she made for golf. “I’ve seen so much of the world and met so many incredible people,” she said, “but I’ve also never felt more alone at times and have missed out on things that were so close to my heart.”

Ewing prepares to trade in her golf clubs for a new chapter, her story serves as a reminder for everyone. That even the most accomplished athletes are complex individuals. They also have hopes, fears, and dreams beyond their sport. Share your stance on Ally Ewing’s retirement decision, in the comments section below.