LPGA Stars Hull and Ko Share Contrasting Views on Retirement: "Golf Until My Deathbed" vs "Not for 20 More Years"
LPGA stars Charley Hull and Lydia Ko share contrasting views on their future in professional golf, highlighting different approaches to retirement plans in women's professional golf.
Hull, 28, firmly dismissed retirement rumors during the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore, stating emphatically, "I'll play golf until I'm on my deathbed."
In contrast, Ko, 27, maintains a more measured approach to her career longevity. While previously stating intentions to retire at 30, she now takes a more flexible stance. "I'm just trying to honestly take it day by day," Ko explained, noting her schedule has expanded from 10-15 events to over 20 this year.
During her appearance on GOLF's Subpar Podcast, Ko elaborated on her retirement philosophy: "I think for every single player, until that moment comes, you really don't know. I could say 30, or 28, but who knows, I could play until 35."
Both players' commitment to the game is evident in their current performance, with Ko leading at 10-under-par in Singapore and Hull just one shot behind after three rounds.
Their differing perspectives on retirement reflect broader trends in women's professional golf, following recent retirements of prominent players like Lexi Thompson, Ally Ewing, and Brittany Lincicome. Yet both Ko and Hull remain focused on their immediate competitive goals rather than definitive retirement timelines.
The contrasting approaches highlight how personal the decision to retire is for each player, influenced by individual circumstances, goals, and perspectives on life beyond professional golf.
Their strong performances in Singapore demonstrate that regardless of their long-term plans, both players remain formidable competitors in the present moment, continuing to make significant impacts on the LPGA Tour.