Multiple major champion and former World Number One So Yeon Ryu has announced that she will be retiring from professional golf.

Ryu, who won the 2011 US Women’s Open and 2017 Ana Inspiration (Now Chevron Championship), made the announcement via social media, calling the decision “one of the most significant decisions of my life.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ???,?? /Soyeon Ryu, Golfer (@1soyeonryu)

Taking to Instagram, Ryu said

“Hello everyone, Soyeon Ryu here.

I wanted to share one of the most significant decisions in my life with all of you today. Sadly, the Chevron Championship will be my last game on the LPGA tour.

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. But the more I thought about it, the more I was thankful for so many things. I am so grateful that I could do what I loved to do, day in and day out, and even make a career out of it. I am not going to lie; I had some hard patches, but despite some of the challenges, I truly enjoyed it all. And more than anything, I feel incredibly grateful for the love and support I’ve received from all of you throughout my career.

People often say, “Golf is life,” and I couldn’t agree more. I’ve learned so much through this game: patience, respect for others, endurance, and much more. Golf has taught me so many lessons. Now, I want to do something to make this sport even better. So, I hope you continue supporting me in the next chapter of my life.

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. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’ll see you guys in Houston. ;)”

Ryu, who won 6 LPGA titles during her career has yet to feature in an event in 2024 and her final event will be at next month’s Chevron Championship.

More from the 19th Hole

According to South Korea’s Chosun Daily, Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. is considering selling its Callaway Golf business, which is based in California. The report indicates the brand has a $3 billion valuation.

“The current rumored sale price for Callaway Golf is around $2.98 billion (4 trillion won). The price is considered to be reasonable by industry players given its significantly low market capitalization of $2.554 billion (about 3.4 trillion won), compared to that of rival Acushnet Holdings (Titleist) of $3.902 billion, and an accompanied management premium,” the report says.

It appears as if Topgolf would not be a part of the sale and would remain separate from the Callaway Golf brand.

After the news got out, the Callaway stock price (MODG) was up around 10% for Wednesday.

However, since the report has surfaced, Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp have stated that they are “unaware” of these discussions.

“While it is our long-standing practice not to respond to market rumors and speculation, in light of today’s unusual market activity, coupled with a recent media report originating in Korea regarding discussions of a potential sale of the Company or its golf equipment business, we confirm that we are not aware of any such discussions,” the company wrote in an emailed comment. “We do not intend to comment further on this topic, and we assume no obligation to make any further announcement or disclosure should circumstances change.”

More from the 19th Hole

While speaking with Gazzetta dello Sport, Ryder Cup vice captain Edoardo Molinari revealed that Nicolai Hojgaard informed him that he’s received a “good offer” from LIV, which he turned down.

“A few weeks ago, I was speaking to Nicolai Højgaard, who had a good offer but turned it down because he knows that if he continues to play well, he will still earn a lot of money but will be freer to make certain decisions and will be sure of playing the majors.”

The 23-year-old Dane is one of the best young European players in the world and has been playing on the PGA Tour full time in 2024.

Molinari then questioned why younger players would choose to leave the PGA Tour for LIV.

“Honestly I don’t understand players who are 20 or 30 years old and risk throwing away their careers to go to LIV Golf,” said the Italian.

“Of course, if they come to me and offer me 300 million, it would change my life but they haven’t come.”

Molinari also shared that he believes LIV players will ultimately have a Ryder Cup path in 2025.

“I think that in two years we will find a way to be able to pick them anyway.”

“The only requirement at the moment is that they are members of the European Tour. I believe someone like Rahm, whatever the cost, wants to play the Ryder Cup. So, I don’t think he will resign from the European Tour.”

More from the 19th Hole