Former European Ryder Cup member announces retirement from golf aged 45

Former European Ryder Cup member Oliver Wilson has announced his retirement from men's professional golf at the age of 45. 

England's Wilson joined the European Tour in 2008 and amassed more than 450 appearances over the last two decades on the global circuit, winning twice. 

A particular highlight for Wilson was stepping into the winner's circle at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in 2014. He also won in Denmark eight years later. 

Wilson also represented Europe in the 2008 Ryder Cup against the United States at Valhalla. Paul Azinger's red, white and blue routed Nick Faldo's Europe 16 1⁄2 – 11 1⁄2. 

Faldo only sent out Wilson once, with the golfer teaming up with former Open champion Henrik Stenson in the foursomes against Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim. Wilson and Stenson won the match 2&1. 

In the singles, Wilson was comfortably defeated 4&2 by Boo Weekley. 

Wilson lost his DP World Tour card this year and attempted to keep his career going by teeing it up in the Final Stage of Qualifying School last month, but came up well short. 

Wilson described that experience on X as "anticlimactic". 

He also confirmed his retirement. 

He still has status and will play "a few events" next year but will not be "chasing it" as per usual.  

Going forward, Wilson will concentrate on coaching and other business ventures. 

"Well, it's been a few weeks since an anticlimactic week at Q School," said Wilson. 

"Even though missing my card was incredibly disappointing, there was also a sense of excitement about what might be ahead & that told me everything I needed to know.

"I still have status & will play a few events throughout the year, so I'll keep working on my game, but I won't be chasing it as normal. My priorities have shifted, and I'll be taking a break from tournament golf for a while.

"If I'm honest, I haven't enjoyed the travel for a few years. Part of that is because I'm not getting much back from the game, but also because I've got a growing family & I want to be around more for my boys.

"Recently the constant jet lag of transatlantic flights & rarely feeling fresh or rested has been too much. You can't compete in elite sport without being at your best & I've been nowhere near it.

"So, after 450 DP World Tour events, I've decided it's time to stop chasing & start exploring new opportunities & interests.

"For many years it felt like I was never going to win; 12 runner-up finishes made me question a lot, but two dramatic wins brought a huge sense of pride after some tough times.

"It's been an amazing ride & I'm proud of what I've achieved. 

"One thing that I never dreamt of was the Ryder Cup. To have earned the right to represent Europe & to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with players I grew up admiring was truly incredible.

"I'll miss the highs of this game, but I won't miss the lows, they can drag you into some dark places, and I've had my fair share. So, here's to the next chapter."

His statement was met with kind words by man. Former pro David Howell said he was a great friend and lauded the driver off the deck he hit in Denmark. 

Sky Sports Golf presenter Sarah Stirk told Wilson to enjoy his family time. 

Wilson is not the first pro to announce they are stepping away from the game this year. 

Nicolas Colsaerts, who was one of Luke Donald's vice-captains at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy, is also retiring at the end of the year. 

Sweden's Alexander Bjork and Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera also bid farewell to the DP World Tour this year.