DP World Tour winner announces shock retirement

A former DP World Tour winner has announced that he’s hanging up his clubs – at least for now.

Richard McEvoy, who held off Bryson DeChambeau to win the Porsche European Open in 2018, on what was his 285th career start on the European Tour, made the shock announcement in a social media post.

“After 23 years of being to fulfil a dream and play as a professional golfer on the European Tour, now @dpworldtour, I have an opportunity to pursue another professional ambition,” wrote the 44-year-old Essex pro.

“The ride has had its ups and downs but I am unbelievably proud of what I have achieved: to be able to win three times on the Challenge Tour, and the highlight of my career to date, winning the Porsche European Open in 2018.

“The support of my family friends and colleagues has been amazing and has created so many unforgettable memories.”

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He added: “I am sad to say goodbye for now to playing tour level golf but am extremely excited about what is ahead for me and my family in the future.

“The game of golf has given me so much and I’m looking forward to giving back in the years to come.

“I cannot thank everyone involved enough. Five years to prepare for the Legends Tour.”

McEvoy turned professional in 2001, shortly after representing Great Britain & Ireland in the Walker Cup.

He first earned a card for the European Tour at Q-School in 2003 and, for several years, played across the tour and its second tier, the Challenge Tour.

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A three-time winner on the latter, he finally secured his maiden victory in Germany in 2018.

Following news of his intention to step away from the tour, several fellow players were quick to pay tribute to McEvoy, amongst them former US Open champion Justin Rose and Nick Dougherty.

“That’s quite the stint on tour Macca and a champ you’ll always be,” wrote Dougherty. “It really was a special win on and in some fashion too.”

Oliver Wilson, Simon Khan, Ross Fisher and Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray were amongst the others to offer their congratulations.

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Head of Content