Thirty-six-year-old In Kyung (IK) Kim dropped a bombshell after her final round at St. Andrews on Sunday, announcing her retirement from the professional game.
Nobody saw it coming, not even her close friends, relatives, and coaches. Kim informed them on Saturday evening that Sunday’s final round of the AIG Women’s Open would be her last.
“I just knew when the time would be that I would feel it, and I’ve been thinking about it for the last two years, and where would be the better place to play my last 18 holes,” Kim said.
“And this is my 18th year, and I feel like all the holes add up to 18, and everything keeps coming 18, and I was like, this must be it.”
The highlight of Kim’s career came at Kingsbarns Golf Club in 2017, when she won her only major title at the Women’s British Open. Michelle Wie and Georgia Hall finished in the top five that year, while Jodi Ewart Shadoff finished runner-up, two strokes behind Kim.
“I feel this championship has been most challenging, to be honest, because it’s something I’ve never played links course,” Kim added.
“I’ve learned so much about ups and downs and accept some tough challenges, and then there are some good days, too. And also, the relationship that I have had with R&A has been incredible. They have always been looking after all of us, and they have been quite a mentor for me. So it’s been all good.”
Kim also thanked the media and everyone for her support. She became emotional in doing so.
“You all have been so grateful to me, and I feel like my career cannot be without all of you. I think you always have given me something to think about, and before I came here, I didn’t speak any English. You’ll remember that I had zero English,” Kim said.
“Now I can speak English and play golf. And I want to say thank you to everyone. My career has been a lot of up and down but you guys made it all beautiful. Appreciate it. Thank you.”
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.
