Major winner tearfully announces retirement no one saw coming

St. Andrews, Scotland — As the night crept in on Saturday, the serene, historic setting of St. Andrews was about to witness an unexpected farewell. I.K. Kim, a seven-time LPGA Tour champion, was informed that she would be the first to tee off on Sunday morning at 7:10 a.m. for the final round of the AIG Women’s Open. The forecast promised a brisk and rainy morning, coupled with the usual early wake-up required for such early starts. Yet, before Kim could settle in for the night, she faced a task far more pressing: she had to break the news of her retirement to her loved ones.

 

Kim’s decision to retire came as a shock to many. The 36-year-old golfer’s choice to step away from competitive play was not something she had publicized or prepared for extensively. Her announcement caught her inner circle by surprise, and they implored her to reconsider. It seemed that Kim herself had only recently come to terms with the decision. Nonetheless, as the sun began to rise on Sunday, she embarked on her final round with an emotional weight. Despite the absence of spectators, she played with poise, making a few birdies and crossing the iconic Swilcan Bridge with a mix of nostalgia and sadness. She finished the round with a score of 75 and approached Martin Slumbers, the outgoing CEO of the R&A, with tears in her eyes to explain her sudden decision.

 

“I told him, ‘You caught me by surprise,’” Kim recounted, reflecting on the surprise her announcement had caused. It wasn’t just Slumbers who was taken aback; the golf world had not anticipated this sudden departure. There were no photographers present to capture Kim’s final moments on the Swilcan Bridge, no journalists to document her exit in detail. Kim, known for her reserved nature, had chosen not to make a grand farewell but instead ended her career with a quiet dignity.

 

After completing her round, Kim returned to the course to address the media and discuss her retirement. Her decision had been made in private, with only a few close individuals, such as her coaches, parents, and best friend, informed beforehand. Kim smiled through her tears as she noted that she would eventually have time to reconnect with everyone else in her life now that her competitive career had concluded.

 

Kim’s career trajectory had been winding down, leading her to this point. Her participation in the AIG Women’s Open was a result of her victory at the 2017 Women’s Open at Kingsbarns, which was a significant highlight in her illustrious career. Kim had the option to continue playing in Women’s Opens for many years if she wished, but she had set her sights on a particular goal. She had expressed a desire to play at the Open held at Muirfield in 2022, a course she had long revered.

 

“I told Martin Slumbers that I would not retire until I had played at Muirfield,” Kim said. “I had read about it in Jack Nicklaus’ book and heard many great players speak about it. I wanted to experience Muirfield before I retired. When I finally played there, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. But it also left me uncertain about my future. So, I decided to keep playing until I had a clearer sense of direction.”

 

The “clue” Kim referred to came as everything seemed to fall into place, guiding her towards a decision she had kept largely to herself. In her 18th year on the LPGA Tour, after having started the game at the age of nine, Kim saw the culmination of her journey in golf. Her conversations with former players like Yani Tseng were filled with emotion as they reflected on the unpredictable nature of careers and life itself.

 

St. Andrews, known for its rich history in the sport, has often been the backdrop for significant farewells. The iconic venue saw Tiger Woods make his retirement announcement two years ago and has been a place where other legends, like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, concluded their Open careers. While the venue has been a significant stage for farewells, Kim’s retirement marked one of the most abrupt and unceremonious departures. There was no elaborate preparation or grand announcement; instead, Kim’s farewell was understated and personal.

 

When asked about her future, Kim admitted uncertainty, though she expressed enthusiasm about exploring various interests outside of golf. “I have many interests, luckily,” she said. “I’m not sure what the next steps will be, but I’ll figure it out.”

 

Regarding her career, Kim highlighted her pride in her work ethic rather than innate talent. “I’m most proud of the hard work I put into my career,” she reflected. “I wasn’t the most talented or gifted, but I loved the game. I was willing to travel anywhere to play and learn. I am grateful for the relationships I’ve built and the lessons I’ve learned from fellow players.”

 

As Kim concluded her final media session, her voice wavered, and tears welled up as she expressed her gratitude one last time. The golf world will remember I.K. Kim not only for her achievements but for the grace and humility she brought to her final chapter.