Popular DP World Tour pro thanks Tiger Woods before announcing shock retirement

DP World Tour pro Mike Lorenzo-Vera thanked his golf idol Tiger Woods as he announced a shock retirement from the sport. 

The popular Frenchman, 40, took a break from the game in 2024 after his mental health declined. 

In a lengthy interview with bunkered, Lorenzo-Vera revealed he was struggling with anxiety and 'crippling panic attacks'. 

Lorenzo-Vera made his return at the turn of the year at the Dubai Desert Classic but has only made three starts since then. 

The golfer took to Instagram on Wednesday to confirm he is hanging up his clubs whereby he explained his priorities have now changed. 

His final appearance will be the Omega European Masters in August. 

"To my fans, I decided yesterday to stop my golfing career," he wrote. 

"Twenty years with highs and lows. So much fun and tears. This game is insane. And I love it! It's the best.

"I would like to think all my fans, my family, my friends, everybody that worked with me, every sponsor that helped me, and course the DP World Tour family, and all the players and caddies."

He added: "Special thanks to the man that gave me the passion, Jean Lamaison, the sand wedge wizard.

"And special thanks to four of my idols: Jose Maria Olazabal, Fred Couples, Davis Love III and, of course, the boss, Tiger Woods.

"It was fun, it was hard, it was fantastic. But I can't do that anymore. My priorities have switched.

"I will play one last tournament at Crans Montana in August. It's a very special place for me.

"Mercia, gracias, thank you."

Lorenzo-Vera will be sorely missed on the DP World Tour circuit. 

He is not the first to announce a shock retirement from the sport. 

In December 2023, former European Ryder Cupper Victor Dubuisson quit at the age of 33. 

Dubuisson cited solitude and difficulty coping with life on Tour as the reasons for his decision.