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So Yeon Ryu is playing the last tournament of her professional career at The Chevron Championship 2024. Only 33 years old, the former World No. 1 (2017) and double Major champion has decided to hang up the clubs after 17 seasons.
The Korean star explained that "tiredness" motivated her to put an end to her career. So Yeon Ryu said (via Bunkered):
"I was just so tired of traveling and then I feel so grounded at home. And then I started to think about like when is the happiest moment in my life. Literally right after I wake up from my own bed and go to the kitchen to make coffee, that’s my happiest moment. To be honest, the hotel room is not easy to do."
So Yeon Ryu also posted a farewell message to her fans on Instagram in which she stated that she "truly enjoyed" her time in professional golf. Here's an excerpt from her caption:
"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."
A look at So Yeon Ryu's career
Like many players in women's golf, So Yeon Ryu turned professional very young at the age of 17. She turned pro in 2007 and won her first professional tournament on the US Cactus Tour in 2008. That same year, she joined the LPGA of Korea Tour where she won 10 tournaments between 2008 and 2020.
Ryu achieved worldwide notoriety in 2011 when she won the US Women's Open without being a member of the LPGA Tour. She defeated compatriot Hee Kyung Seo in a playoff.
From then to date, Ryu competed simultaneously on the LPGA Tour and the Korean circuit. She registered another five victories in America, including her second Major, the 2017 ANA Inspiration (currently The Chevron Championship).
Her last victory at the highest level came in 2018 when she won the Meijer LPGA Classic, defeating Caroline Masson by two strokes. Ryu clinched a total of 20 professional victories, six of them on the LPGA Tour (including two Majors) and 10 on the Korean circuit, in addition to more than 90 Top 10s.
Ryu had impressive performances at the Majors. In 56 editions, she made 18 Top 10s with 49 cuts passed. She was also named the LPGA Player of the Year in 2012 and 2017.
