[PHOTO: Chloe Knott/R&A]
Another top American is retiring from the LPGA Tour. Three-time winner Ally Ewing, 31, announced on Instagram overnight (Australian time) that she is leaving the professional game and thanked friends, family and past caddies for their consistent support throughout her eight-year LPGA career.
“What a journey and road this has been,” Ewing wrote. “While I’ve always felt I was able to balance golf and life, every decision I’ve made since I was young has always been deliberated with how it would impact golf. I’ve learned and been taught so much throughout this journey. I felt happiness and so much disappointment. I’ve been on the mountaintop of victory and felt the heartache of defeat.
“I’ve seen so much of the world and met so many incredible people, but I’ve also never felt more alone at times and have missed out on things that are so close to my heart. I’ve cried many tears, but I will never take for granted what this game has done for me. I fulfilled a dream that many strive for.”
The native of Tupelo, Mississippi, played college golf at Mississippi State University, winning five times in four years before starting her professional career on the now Epson Tour in 2016. Ewing earned full status for the LPGA in 2017 and maintained it her entire career. She played professionally under her maiden name, McDonald, until her 2020 marriage to Charlie Ewing, the head coach of the Mississippi State women’s golf team.
Ewing’s breakthrough win came at the 2020 Drive On Championship, and victories followed at the 2021 Bank of Hope LPGA Match Play and 2022 Kroger Queen City Championship.
Despite a winless 2024, her final campaign has been one of Ewing’s most consistent. She posted four straight top-5 finishes, including a T-3 in the US Women’s Open in May and a T-5 in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in June. The current world No.18 ended up one ranking spot shy of representing the United States in the Olympics.
Among Ewing’s greatest honours came from representing her country in her four Solheim Cup appearances, where Ewing played in four sessions each time. She celebrated her first Solheim Cup team victory at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club earlier this month, though she didn’t score a point.
Ewing is not in the field at this week’s Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. According to the LPGA’s website, the next time she will play is at the tour’s next-to-last event of the season, The Annika, in November. Currently ranked ninth in CME points, Ewing will be eligible to end her career at the CME Group Tour Championship, as the top 60 in CME points play in the tour’s finale.
“While it’s hard to turn the page, I’m looking forward to this next chapter of life,” Ewing said. “I’m excited to make new memories and spend more time with friends and family. Golf, you’ll forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for following me along this unforgettable journey.”
