The LPGA Tour is facing a significant loss as nine seasoned players under the age of 40, including four major champions, have declared their retirement from competitive play.
Among them, Lexi Thompson made headlines in late May when she revealed that this would be her last full season on tour. Her career is notable not only for the major title she secured, but also for the ones she narrowly missed. Thompson, who is 29, expressed uncertainty about her future in the sport, saying, “I may tee it up a few times next year,” pointing to the Chevron Championship, her only major win from a decade ago, when it was known as the Kraft Nabisco Championship. “I am just going to take time for myself and take it day by day.”
Brittany Lincicome, a two-time major winner, officially concluded her career last week during a heartfelt farewell at Pelican Golf Club. She hinted that she might participate in the Chevron as well, a major she has won twice.
Other major champions such as So Yeon Ryu, 34, and I.K. Kim, 38, also announced their retirements, with Ryu stepping back after the Chevron and Kim planning to retire following the Women’s British Open at St. Andrews.
Ally Ewing, 32, wrapped up her LPGA journey after completing her eighth season, announcing her retirement two months ago. A three-time LPGA champion and participant in four Solheim Cups, she exits ranking No. 18 in the world. Ewing reflected on her decision confidently, stating, “Seeing a really good season gives me even more peace about my decision,” particularly after her success in the Solheim Cup.
Marina Alex, 34, surprised many with her retirement announcement, sharing her news with a select circle of friends and family who supported her at the CME Group Tour Championship. With two wins in her 11-year LPGA tenure and one Solheim Cup appearance, she remarked, “This is a hard job emotionally, and I’m finally ready to hang that up and not live and die by the golf course.”
Furthermore, three other players, Mariajo Uribe (34), Gerina Mendoza (39), and Amy Olson (32), chose to retire to dedicate more time to their families.
In the realm of the PGA Tour, the award ballot was released just before the season’s last tournament, with Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele being the top contenders for the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Award for the Player of the Year, along with Rory McIlroy.
Scheffler achieved eight wins this year, including his Olympic gold and a coveted Masters green jacket. However, Schauffele, with two major victories to his credit, remains a strong competitor for the honor, which is decided by fellow players. Historically, when a PGA Tour member has secured two majors in one year, they have typically won the award.
For the Rookie of the Year award, nominees include Nick Dunlap, Max Greyserman, Matthieu Pavon from France, and Jake Knapp, with all but Greyserman achieving victories this year. Players have until December 4 to cast their votes.
Meanwhile, the PGA Tour has seen changes in field size, with expectations for the upcoming year. The Sentry tournament in Kapalua, traditionally hosting about 30 players, will now feature 64 participants, combining 2024 winners and the top 50 from the FedEx Cup rankings.
It remains uncertain how many players will attend, though Rory McIlroy plans to kick off his season in Dubai. Last year, 59 participants were present, although 24 did not return.
In the LPGA spotlight, Nelly Korda was declared player of the year, while Ayaka Furue clinched the Vare Trophy, becoming the first Japanese player to achieve the lowest scoring average. She celebrated her success with a final round of 68 at the Evian Championship, finishing with an average of 69.988.
Jeeno Thitikul and Korda had lower averages but did not play enough rounds to qualify, whereas Mao Saigo added another accolade for Japan by winning Rookie of the Year in the season finale.
In governance news, the USGA has put forward Kevin Hammer, a former college golfer from Florida and current wealth management executive, as the candidate for its next president, with the executive committee scheduled to vote in early March.
In personal updates, Justin Thomas joyfully welcomed his first child, Molly Grace Thomas, on November 18, while Daniel Berger’s recent performance at the RSM Classic pushed his career earnings past the $25 million mark on the PGA Tour.
In an interesting note, Doug Ghim garnered $300,000 for charitable commitments after winning the “Birdies Fore Love” competition. The latest FedEx Cup victors, including Maverick McNealy and Nico Echavarria, have also secured places in high-stakes upcoming events.
Statistically, it’s noteworthy that 15 players who triumphed on the PGA Tour this year were outside the top 100 in the world ranking at the time of their victories.
As Chris Kirk aptly summarized, “I have found over the years that when you play really well, it doesn’t matter a whole lot what the tour policy board decides. Things will work out pretty well in your favor.”