Retiring at 26, Jo Ayeon: "I will create a new chapter in my life"

Eight years on tour, Rookie of the Year and four career wins
Back injury at preseason training camp prompted thoughts of retirement
Broadcasting and short-game coaching mark the start of a "second life"

"It would be a lie to say I have no regrets."

Jo Ayeon, a four-time winner on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, has left the course. She put down her clubs after the S-OIL Championship, which began on November 1 at Elysian Jeju Country Club in Jeju. On the final hole, her mother, who knows little about golf, carried her daughter's golf bag herself, bringing the retirement ceremony to a memorable close.

"As I try to say the word 'last,' so many emotions come rushing back," Jo said. "I will now bring my playing career to a close, carrying with me the precious experiences, lessons and connections I gained over 20 years as a player."

Jo Ayeon plays in her retirement tournament at the S-OIL Championship. Photo courtesy of KLPGA.

Jo, who made her KLPGA Tour debut in 2019, made an immediate impact as a rookie. She won twice that year and was named Rookie of the Year, prevailing over a strong class that included Park Hyunkyung and Im Heejung. She added two more victories in 2022, bringing her career total to four. Over eight years on tour, she competed in 216 tournaments, recording four wins, one runner-up finish and 14 top-five finishes.

She announced her retirement at a very young age. Born in 2000, Jo is 26 this year. Injuries held her back. In particular, she injured her back during a training camp in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), ahead of this season. Training too hard in an effort to increase her driving distance proved counterproductive. She returned home early without completing the training camp.

Jo Ayeon receives congratulations from her fellow players at her retirement ceremony held ahead of the S-OIL Championship. Provided by KLPGA.

"Days that may have been ordinary to someone else were filled with countless efforts, tears and earnest hopes for me," Jo said candidly. "There were many moments when I was disappointed in and resentful of myself more than anyone else."

After failing to record a win in 2020 and 2021, she announced her return to form with two victories in 2022. The tournaments she remembers most fondly are the 2019 Lotte Rent-a-Car Women's Open, where she claimed the first win of her career, and the 2022 Kyochon Honey Ladies Open, where she ended a lengthy slump of two years and eight months to take the title.

Jo struggled this year, finishing in the top 10 just three times. Her best result of the season was a tie for fourth at The Siena Open in April. Her biggest regret is missing out on membership in the K-10 Club, which is open to players who compete on the KLPGA Tour for 10 consecutive years. Jo had played on tour for eight years through this year. Two more years on tour would have allowed her to achieve a meaningful milestone. "Looking back, there were so many truly happy moments, but there were just as many difficult and lonely times," she said. "My biggest regret is not reaching my goal with two years left."

Jo Ayeon plans to work in broadcasting and give lessons after retiring. Provided by KLPGA.

Jo will remain connected to golf. She plans to take some time to rest and prepare for the future. Immediately after retiring, she hopes to work in broadcasting and take part in various events. Her final dream is to study further and become a short-game coach. "There were so many moments of happiness that I can't put into words. So many people supported me from the sidelines," Jo said. "I will never forget their kindness."

"My time as a golfer is coming to an end, but I will keep living as I create a new chapter in my life," Jo said with a smile. "I will do my best to give back the love I have received. I hope you will continue to support me as I begin a new life."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.