Women’s golf continues to witness unprecedented departures this year. Major champions have been stepping away at an alarming rate. However, September brought an unexpected announcement that shook the LPGA community to its core.

Stacy Lewis, the two-time major champion and former world No. 1, dropped her retirement bombshell on September 17, 2025. Moreover, she made this announcement via social media ahead of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. The 40-year-old stated: “The time has come to put the clubs away. I will finish out the 2025 season, but this will be my last on the LPGA.“

Lewis stands alone as the only major LPGA star announcing retirement in September 2025. Consequently, her decision adds to an already staggering list of departures from the tour. Previously, 13 players retired in 2024, including major champions Brittany Lincicome and So Yeon Ryu. Meanwhile, players like Lexi Thompson and Amy Olson stepped away earlier this year, creating an unprecedented exodus from professional women’s golf.

The golf community’s immediate response showcased Lewis’s profound impact on the sport. Angela Stanford, the 2027 U.S. Solheim Cup captain, highlighted Lewis’s business acumen perfectly. She noted: “I don’t know how many sponsors we have because she wouldn’t accept no for an answer.” Remarkably, six of Lewis’s personal sponsors became title sponsors for LPGA events during her career.

Lewis’s role extended far beyond playing achievements.

She helped shepherd the LPGA Tour through its most challenging period following the retirements of Annika Sorenstam and Lorena Ochoa. Additionally, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her career. Her influence shaped not just tournaments but the entire tour’s business landscape.

Rose Zhang & digital Golf world erupts in support of Stacy Lewis retirement news

The announcement triggered an immediate social media response from golf’s biggest names. Rose Zhang, Allyson Corpuz (whom Lewis captained as the USA’s Solheim Cup leader), Amanda Balionis, and Lydia Ko all liked Lewis’s retirement post within hours. Their quick responses demonstrated the respect Lewis commands across multiple generations of players.

Annika Sorenstam immediately responded with heartfelt praise on social media. The Swedish legend posted: “Congratulations on a wonderful career! 👏🏻” Her simple yet powerful message captured the golf world’s sentiment perfectly.

Furthermore, Mike Whan, current USGA CEO and former LPGA commissioner, delivered perhaps the most touching tribute. He wrote: “I’m not sure the words ‘retirement’ & Stacy really work together :)). I’m grateful for how she cared for the Tour, made sponsors feel like family, and pushed to leave @LPGA better for young girls dreaming of ‘making it’. Proud of you @Stacylewi & honored to have learned from you.”

Maria Fassi, Lewis’s fellow University of Arkansas alum, expressed deep admiration during a press conference. She called her mentor “the perfect role model anybody could ask for.” Their bond strengthened through shared Arkansas Razorbacks heritage and various team events.

Moreover, fans flooded comment sections with appreciation messages. One devoted supporter wrote: “One of my favorites of All Time. Congratulations @Stacy_Lewis.” Another fan added: “Congratulations & enjoy ur retirement ❤️” These heartfelt messages continued pouring in throughout the day.

The digital outpouring reveals Lewis’s unique connection to the entire golf community. Unlike typical retirement announcements, hers sparked conversations about a lasting legacy rather than simple endings. Therefore, her influence clearly extends far beyond tournament victories and world rankings.

Lewis leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: 13 LPGA Tour victories, two major championships, and over $14.7 million in career earnings. However, her greatest achievement may be shepherding the LPGA Tour through its most challenging period. As Lewis prepares for her final tournaments, the golf world recognizes a fundamental truth. Some retirements mark simple endings. Others, like Lewis’s, celebrate transformational careers that elevated an entire sport.