Golf star announces sudden retirement as injuries | Golf News

Elizabeth Szokol introduced down the curtain on her LPGA profession Friday at The Annika, making the announcement just moments after wrapping up her ultimate spherical at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair.

Her abrupt retirement unfolded on an emotionally charged day marked by acquainted environment and a press convention that remodeled from commonplace post-round commentary into a farewell handle. Beyond showcasing Caitlin Clark, the match has also attracted backing from LeBron James.

Szokol got here up one stroke short of making the cut following a second spherical that also witnessed Kai Trump ending in last place among 108 gamers at 18 over, lacking the weekend by 17 strokes. Following her elimination, Szokol acknowledged the surreal nature of her goodbye and the problem of comprehending her nine-year Tour journey.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been nine years playing, which is pretty crazy,” she said after the LPGA Tour event. “It was great to retire at home, a golf course I’m a member of, and had so many family and friends out today. So it was pretty special. Would’ve liked one more putt to go in, but that’s all right. I can look back at a successful career.”

She emphasised that ending her profession at home held profound significance, given that Pelican is her home membership where she has devoted numerous hours to observe, competitors, and establishing her roots.

Szokol had been considering retirement for a number of years, with her victory at the Dow Great Lakes Bat Invitational in 2023 prolonging her enjoying days past initial expectations. “The win at Dow probably extended my career a little bit more. I’ve had a lot of lingering injuries, and the travel got a bit old for me, so I just kind of missed being home,” she explained.

“I would say in July I pretty much made my decision, but knew probably the last two years it was likely going to be my last year playing. July kind of solidified it.”

When requested about the emotion on 18 and the hugs ready after her ultimate putt, she said she held it together until she noticed two people crying. “I was good until I saw Caroline and Bri crying, to be honest. I think it hit me more than I expected. I was pretty calm about it. I think I would say I let most of the emotions out when I made the decision this was going to be my last year in July.”

Szokol said persistent injuries took their toll, the demanding tour schedule grew to become difficult, and she finally longed to be at home.

She wraps up her profession ranked No. 244 globally, with a Rolex Women’s World Ranking and a top 2025 end of 14th place at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

As for what lies forward, Szokol said she is going to start planning issues out on Monday and that there’s a probability she stays concerned in the game. She teased having “fun stuff in the works,” but requires extra time to work through her choices.