Golf star retires suddenly at 30 after missing cut and explains why | Golf | Sport

Elizabeth Szokol brought the curtain down on her LPGA career on Friday at The Annika, announcing her retirement moments after completing her round at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair. The 30-year-old’s unexpected decision came on an emotionally charged day, marked by familiar surroundings and a press conference that transformed from standard post-round analysis to a poignant farewell.

Szokol narrowly missed the cut by a single stroke following her second round, whilst Kai Trump finished bottom of the 108-strong field on 18 over, missing the cut by 17 strokes. After her exit from the tournament, Szokol admitted it felt surreal to bid farewell and even more extraordinary to reflect on nine years competing on Tour.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been nine years playing, which is pretty crazy,” she said after the LPGA Tour event. “It was great to retire at home, a golf course I’m a member of, and had so many family and friends out today. So it was pretty special. Would’ve liked one more putt to go in, but that’s all right. I can look back at a successful career.”

She revealed that retiring at home held profound significance, as Pelican is a venue where she holds membership and has devoted years to practising, competing and establishing her life.

Szokol had been contemplating retirement for several years, with her victory at the Dow Great Lakes Bat Invitational in 2023 prolonging her career beyond initial expectations. “The win at Dow probably extended my career a little bit more. I’ve had a lot of lingering injuries, and the travel got a bit old for me, so I just kind of missed being home,” she explained.

“I would say in July I pretty much made my decision, but knew probably the last two years it was likely going to be my last year playing. July kind of solidified it.”

When asked about the emotion she felt on the 18th and the hugs awaiting her after the final putt, she revealed that she maintained her composure until witnessing two people in tears. Szokol added: “I was good until I saw Caroline and Bri crying, to be honest. I think it hit me more than I expected.

“I was pretty calm about it. I think I would say I let most of the emotions out when I made the decision this was going to be my last year in July.”

Szokol acknowledged that persistent injuries took their toll, whilst the demanding tour schedule became increasingly challenging, and she ultimately longed to be at home.

She concludes her career ranked No. 244 globally, holding a Rolex Women’s World Ranking and achieving her strongest result of 2025 with a 14th-place finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

As for her future plans, Szokol confirmed she will begin determining her next steps from Monday, with the possibility of remaining involved in the sport. She suggested having “fun stuff in the works,” though it requires additional time to finalise her options.

This article first appeared on Mirror US.