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"Every moment spent with golf was a happy one" — Jo A-yeon, who recorded four wins on the KLPGA tour, bids farewell to the course she grew to love

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Jo A-yeon (center) poses for a commemorative photo with fans at her retirement ceremony. /Photo=Provided by J-Ad Sports
Jo A-yeon (center) poses for a commemorative photo with fans at her retirement ceremony. /Photo=Provided by J-Ad Sports

Jo A-yeon, 26, a flagship star representing the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) tour, is formally concluding her professional career as she departs from the regular tour course where she spent many years.

Since childhood, Jo had been hailed as the future of Korean women's golf, earning the "Taegeuk mark" through her precise iron play and bold on-course management. She first drew attention after being selected as the youngest-ever national team member during her second year of middle school, and she firmly etched her name onto the world stage by winning the individual title at the 2018 World Amateur Championship.

Jo made a dazzling debut on the KLPGA regular tour in 2019, claiming victory at the season opener, the "Lotte Rent-A-Car Women's Open," to announce the arrival of a "monster rookie." She followed up with her second win of the year at the "OK Savings Bank Park Se-ri Invitational" that same year, securing the 2019 KLPGA Rookie of the Year award — an honor bestowed only once in a career — and cementing her presence on the tour.

Jo's relentless pursuit continued thereafter. In 2022, she claimed consecutive titles at the "8th Kyochon Honey Ladies Open" and the "Hoban-Seoul Shinmun Women's Classic." With four career wins on the KLPGA tour, she established herself as a true representative champion of the KLPGA.

Jo said, "The past days were filled with countless efforts and tears. I was truly a happy player because of the fans who supported me unwaveringly and my sponsors." She added, "While my journey as a golfer comes to an end, I will carry these precious memories with me as I move forward into a new chapter of life."

Jo's retirement ceremony was held after the conclusion of the first round of the S-OIL Championship. Sponsor HJ Heavy Industries, PXG, Nike, her agency J-Ad Sports, and fan club Ayeon Joa joined in celebrating the player's meaningful farewell.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original

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