Ally Ewing announces retirement: A journey of Grace, Gratitude, and Golf

In a heartfelt and personal announcement, three-time LPGA Tour winner Ally Ewing has revealed that she will be stepping away from professional golf at the end of the current season. The Mississippi native, known for her steady play and calm demeanour, is closing a nine-year career on her own terms, with peace, pride, and a sense of fulfilment.

Ewing made the announcement in a touching Instagram video that reflected her gratitude for the journey and her pride in representing her home state of Mississippi on one of the biggest stages in women’s golf. “There haven’t been many Mississippi golfers to advance to the LPGA,” she shared, underscoring her desire to inspire the next generation of girls from her home state. “That’s a huge part of why I wanted to announce the way I did.”

A decision made with peace and purpose

Ewing’s decision to retire was not made lightly, but it was one that she has had in mind since the beginning of the season. She explained how she navigated the year with a sense of peace, knowing it would be her last on tour. “I’ve had such peace throughout the year. This has been in my head... I knew this was going to be the last year for me,” she said. Ewing also expressed her deep appreciation for the LPGA and the sport that has shaped much of her life.

For Ewing, golf has always been a part of her life, but not the entirety of it. She shared that she never wavered in her decision to retire because she has always known there is more to life than the game. "Golf has been a huge part of my life. There is no doubt about that," she said, but her priorities have shifted. With a desire to spend more time with family and friends, including her grandparents and nieces, Ewing looks forward to a future that includes less travel and more cherished moments off the course.

Balancing the final year

As Ewing made her way through the 2024 season, she approached each tournament without dwelling on the fact that each could be her last. "You don't want to tee it up at the U.S. Open and go, 'Oh my gosh, this could be my last U.S. Open.' It's my last chance,” she explained. Instead, Ewing focused on enjoying her rounds and playing some of her best golf in the process. "I've been able to really soak it in and enjoy it, and also play some of my best golf through it. That's been a lot of fun."

She waited until after Team USA had claimed back the Solheim Cup to tell Captain Stacy Lewis of her intentions, "I was able to pull her aside Sunday night after we had won and was able to tell her and just thank her for everything."

After this week's Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, Ewing plans to play in the Pelican Women's Championship and the CME Group Tour Championship, both in Florida. These final events will mark the conclusion of a career that has spanned nearly a decade, filled with victories, Solheim Cup appearances, and countless memories.

A new chapter beyond golf

As Ewing prepares for life after the LPGA, she is excited about the possibilities that await. While she doesn't have a specific plan in place, she looks forward to the chance to slow down, spend time with loved ones, and perhaps start a family with her husband, Charlie. "I've missed out on things throughout my career... now I can't look past [them]," she said, acknowledging the many sacrifices that come with life as a professional athlete.

Ewing also spoke about the impact of her faith on her career and her decision to step away. “The most important thing for me... was hopefully being able to leave a good mark on the LPGA, and hopefully people see not necessarily me but who I play for, and that's for Christ.” Throughout her time on tour, she has carried herself with humility and grace, always striving to inspire others both on and off the course.

Leaving a legacy of kindness and class

As news of Ewing’s retirement spread, fellow players and fans alike expressed their admiration and sadness at her departure. Lilia Vu, among others, shared her surprise and appreciation for Ewing’s presence on tour. Ewing, who described the LPGA as a “travelling circus,” noted that what she would miss most were the relationships she had built over the years. “The people and the relationships are definitely going to be the hardest parts for me that I'm going to miss,” she said.

Reflecting on her legacy, Ewing hopes to be remembered not just for her golf achievements, but for the way she carried herself and the impact she had on others. “I've always tried to carry myself in a way that would impact others,” she said. From winning tournaments to simply thanking volunteers at events, Ewing has always strived to make a positive mark, something she attributes to the values instilled in her by her parents.

Looking ahead to retirement

Though she is stepping away from full-time competition, Ewing remains a passionate advocate for the LPGA and the future of women’s golf. “I'm always going to be a huge advocate for the LPGA. We're on a great trajectory right now,” she said, adding that she hopes to remain involved in some capacity, whether as an ambassador or simply by cheering on the next generation of players.

As Ewing prepares for the next chapter in her life, she does so with the same grace, poise, and gratitude that has defined her career. While the LPGA will undoubtedly miss her presence, Ewing’s influence on the game and the people she’s touched will endure.

This week it's the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G - view the full leaderboard here.