I.K. Kim, winner of the 2017 AIG Women's Open has announced her retirement from professional golf after 18 years
After completing her final round of the AIG Women's Open, South Korean golfer I.K. Kim made a surprise retirement announcement, which brought an end to her professional golf career of 18 years.
Kim turned professional in 2006 and became a prominent figure on the LPGA Tour. Over her 18-year career, Kim secured 11 career wins on the LPGA and LET, including one Major championship, the 2017 AIG Women's Open.
A fitting farewell
Kim's decision to retire on this day was deeply personal. "I've been waiting for this moment, and it came today," she shared. For Kim, the timing of her retirement was not something she had planned in advance but rather a feeling that grew over the last two years. "I just knew when the time would come, it's just something about nine, nine, 18 and just feels right and I'm 36, actually, and I started golf when I was nine," she said, adding that playing her final round at such a historic venue felt like the perfect conclusion to her career.
Her choice of venue was symbolic. St Andrews, often referred to as the 'Home of Golf,' has been a place of great significance in Kim's career. She played in all three Women's Opens held at the Old Course, and while this final appearance may not have been her best, it was her favourite. "It's growing on me from the very beginning," Kim said, expressing her deepening connection with the course over the years.
Reflections on a storied career
With six wins on the LPGA Tour and three on the LET, perhaps the pinnacle of her achievements came in 2017 when she won the AIG Women's Open at Kingsbarns, a victory that solidified her place among the sport's elite. This triumph was particularly meaningful for Kim, who had faced numerous challenges throughout her career. "This championship has been the most challenging, to be honest," she admitted, citing the difficulties of playing on links courses. However, she also noted that these challenges had been "truly life-changing," teaching her valuable lessons about perseverance and acceptance.
Beyond her victories, Kim spoke fondly of her relationships within the golf community, particularly with R&A CEO Martin Slumbers, which she described as "a great role model and great leader for the R&A."
Kim also revealed that she had been contemplating retirement since playing at Muirfield, a course that held a special place in her heart. "I would not retire until I played at Muirfield," she had told herself, inspired by the legends who had walked its fairways before her. Once she achieved this goal, she felt a sense of satisfaction that signalled it was time to step away from the game.
An emotional goodbye
The decision to retire was not an easy one for Kim, and it clearly weighed on her. She shared that her coaches and loved ones tried to persuade her to continue playing, with some even expressing surprise at her decision. Yet, Kim knew it was time, as she felt that golf had taught her important life lessons that were guiding her toward a new chapter. "Just you never know when it's going to end. Not just golf and relationship and things. We're not here forever," she said, reflecting on the transient nature of life and sport.
Kim's retirement announcement was also a moment of gratitude. She thanked the media for their support throughout her career, noting how much she had grown since she first arrived on the tour with "zero English." "Now I can speak English and play golf," she said with a smile, appreciating the journey she had been on.
Looking Ahead
As she steps away from professional golf, Kim is uncertain about her next steps but is optimistic about the future. "I have many interests, luckily," she said, though she admitted she would need some time to figure out her path forward.
In closing, Kim expressed pride in the hard work and dedication she put into her career. "I'm most proud of the hard work that I've put into it," she said, tearing up as she reflected on her journey. "I wasn't most talented or most gifted, but I loved the game, I was willing to travel anywhere to play golf and learn the game, and I wanted to thank all the girls here. I've learned so much from them."
With her retirement, the world of golf bids farewell to one the popular figures on tour. I.K. Kim's legacy will be remembered not just for her victories, including her 2017 AIG Women's Open win, but for the grace, humility, and perseverance she displayed throughout her career.
Everyone at Women & Golf wishes I.K. Kim all the best in her retirement.
