Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it involves leaving a career as significant as Marina Alex’s in professional golf. The LPGA star played her final event at the CME Group Tour Championship before officially stepping away from full-time competition on the LPGA Tour. Her decision to retire came after a standout year, including back-to-back top-10 finishes in Asia and nearly claiming her third LPGA title at the TOTO Japan Classic. Although her performances suggested she might continue into 2025, Alex had other plans.
Alex’s professional journey is one many golfers aspire to achieve. Joining the LPGA Tour in 2013, she spent 11 years building an impressive resume. She secured two career victories: the Portland Classic in 2018 and the FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship in 2022. She also represented Team USA at the 2019 Solheim Cup, where she earned two points in her only appearance at the prestigious event. Over her career, Alex amassed more than $5 million in earnings, with $719,855 coming from her 2024 season alone. Her achievements and contributions leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Reflecting on her retirement, Alex acknowledged the emotional difficulty of stepping away. “It’s always hard to say goodbye,” she said. While confident that this was the right decision, Alex admitted it was a major life change after dedicating more than a decade to her professional career. She described the transition as entering “a new world of a new identity.”
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Alex expressed her deep gratitude for the sport, highlighting her love for the game and its challenges. She emphasized the invaluable connections golf brought her, from lifelong friendships to a profound sense of accomplishment. “The one word that keeps coming back to me as I’ve reflected on this last week of my career on LPGA is oddly enough LOVE,” she shared. Alex also thanked her supporters, saying the outpouring of love during her final week made all the sacrifices and hard work worth it.
Although her retirement seemed sudden, Alex revealed she had contemplated leaving the Tour a year earlier due to personal struggles. She credited her determination for pushing through a difficult period, even when the thought of stepping away loomed large. Despite retiring from full-time play, Alex left the door open for a potential return in special circumstances, such as qualifying for a U.S. Open.
Her departure prompted an outpouring of support from her LPGA peers, who celebrated her career and wished her well. Notable players like Lexi Thompson and Nelly Korda shared their admiration on social media. Thompson congratulated Alex and encouraged her to enjoy the next chapter, while Korda expressed how much she would miss her. Other players, including Carlota Ciganda, Jenny Shin, and Sarah Kemp, praised Alex for her remarkable career and kind personality. They celebrated her achievements and expressed excitement for her future endeavors.
Michelle Wie West, one of Alex’s closest friends on Tour, shared her emotional reaction to the news, underscoring the depth of their bond. Other players, such as Lydia Ko and Pernilla Lindberg, also paid tribute to Alex’s career, demonstrating the widespread respect she earned in the golf community.
As Alex transitions into the next phase of her life, her legacy on the LPGA Tour remains secure. While her absence will be felt, her influence and impact will endure. Fans and peers alike look forward to seeing what lies ahead for the golfer whose love for the game has inspired so many.