Olympic golfer retires aged just 37 in puzzling move two years after cracking PGA Tour

The surprise announcement was made via social media on Thursday.

 

Espen Kofstad has opted not to continue playing tournament golf

Espen Kofstad, who competed at the Rio Olympics in 2016, has retired from professional golf at the age of 37.

 

The Norwegian has struggled with injuries in recent years and was forced to pull out of last month’s Open de Espana. Despite his age, Kofstad has decided that now is the time to put down the clubs and change the course of his career.

 

“Thank you tournament golf for everything,” he wrote on Instagram. “This feels like the right time to move on and look for something new. Thank you to everyone that has helped me along the way!”

 

The former University of Denver player has admitted to finding the professional circuit more of a grind since reaching a career-high ranking of 180, and explained to Norsk Golf why he decided to call it a day.

 

“Enough is enough,” he said. “I have decided to quit. I still love golf, but I have been thinking about putting competitive golf on the shelf for quite some time.

 

 

“The results this year have not been the best. But the decisive reason is that I have achieved all my goals. As a child, I sat with my grandfather and watched the pros on TV. That’s where the dream started. And it was that dream that shaped my goals and became an inner driving force.

 

“I wanted to become a top level tour player. Two top-15 positions on the PGA Tour I am obviously satisfied with. And the Olympic Games in Rio were just a huge bonus, a great experience. I’m very glad I got it.

 

 

“I have tried to set myself new goals, but I don’t find the same driving force as before. And then I would rather use my skills and experience in other areas.”

 

On his future plans, Kofstad added: “I still think it’s great to be out on the course. I also like to comment on golf. I want to explore whether there are more arenas where we can connect golf and business. And I want to become a coach. I just have to consider the possibilities that arise.”