2024 Solheim Cup winner announces shock retirement

Just ten days after lifting the Solheim Cup, one of the victorious dozen from the United States team has announced a shock retirement. 

Ally Ewing revealed in an emotional video on Instagram that she would be stepping away from the professional game aged 31.

“It is with a heavy but grateful heart that I want to announce that I will be retiring from professional golf at the end of this year,” the three-time LPGA winner said.

Ewing has followed in the footsteps of Lexi Thompson, who announced back in May that she would walk away from the sport in 2024.

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“What a journey and road this has been,” Ewing says in a poignant retirement montage. “While I’ve always felt I was able to balance golf and life, every decision I have made since I was young has always been deliberated with how it would impact golf.

“I’ve learned and been taught so much throughout this journey. I’ve felt happiness and so much disappointment. I’ve been on the mountain top of victory and felt the heartache of defeat. I’ve seen so much of the world and met so many incredible people, but I’ve also never felt so alone and times and I’ve missed out on things that are so close to my heart.

“I’ve cried many tears, but I’ll never take for granted what this game has done for me. I fulfilled a dream that many strive for. While the losses far outweigh the wins, the highest honour of my career will always be representing my country at the Solheim Cup.”

Ewing finally tasted victory in the dust-up against Europe in this month’s match at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia having competed in three losing sides. She was defeated in all four sessions she played in, ending with a career Solheim Cup record of 3-12-1.

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There had been no signs that Ewing’s game was seriously waning, however.

The world No.18 had a supremely consistent season, finishing inside the top-five on four occasions on the LPGA and comfortably qualifying for Stacy Lewis’ US team in Virginia.

In a nine-year professional career, Ewing made seven top-ten finishes in the majors and banked over $6million. Her last professional victory came at the Kroger Queen City Championship in 2022.

“While it’s hard to turn the page, I’m looking forward to this next chapter of life,” she said. “I’m excited to make new memories and spend more time with friends and family. Golf, you’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.