South Korea’s IK Kim, the 2009 OMEGA Dubai Ladies Masters champion, has recently announced her retirement from professional golf after fulfilling her dream of playing at St. Andrews. The 36-year-old, known as the 'pocket rocket' due to her five feet three-inch stature, officially bid adieu to her 18-year career, which boasts 10 worldwide professional wins, including the 2017 AIG Women’s Open at Kingsbarns Golf Club in Scotland.
Many UAE golf enthusiasts will recall Kim’s victory on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club in December 2009, where she scored 70, 65, 67, and 68, totaling 270 and winning by three strokes ahead of Michelle Wie (US). Reflecting on her career at her final tournament, the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews, Kim mentioned her conversation with Martin Slumbers: “I told him I wouldn’t retire until I played at Muirfield.” She expressed her satisfaction after playing there in 2022 and her uncertainty about her future.
Kim, unsure of her next steps, mentioned her various interests but noted she would need guidance. She expressed pride in her dedication to the game, despite not being the most naturally talented, and thanked her fellow golfers for their influence. Kim’s career highlights include four top-10 finishes in her rookie year of 2007 and her first win at the Longs Drugs Challenge in 2008. In 2009, she secured her second career title at the LPGA State Farm Classic and her Dubai victory.
Kim’s philanthropic efforts were evident when she donated her entire $220,000 winnings from the 2010 Lorena Ochoa Invitational to charity, supporting educational programs in Mexico and an American charity. Her career also faced challenges, such as missing a one-foot putt on the final day of the 2012 Kraft Nabisco Championship, leading to a playoff loss. However, she bounced back, winning the Reignwood LPGA Classic in 2016 and achieving three victories on the LPGA Tour in 2017, including her first major title at the AIG British Open.
As IK Kim retires, the golf community expresses its gratitude for her substantial contributions to women's golf.
