Retiring DP World Tour golfer makes sad admission: "I could have done a lot better"

Retiring DP World Tour golfer and former European Ryder Cup member Nicolas Colsaerts says he is retiring from the sport because he doesn't want to be a B-version of what he was and "no longer has the will to practise". 

The big Belgian is calling it quits in a few weeks' time at the Mauritius Open. 

Colsaerts, 43, has amassed more than 500 starts on Europe's top circuit and had plenty of success, winning on three occasions. 

The former world number 32 was also part of Jose Maria Olazabal's European Ryder Cup team that completed the miracle comeback against the United States at Medinah in 2012, contributing one point. 

He was also one of Luke Donald's vice-captains at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy at Marco Simone, although the Englishman decided against asking Colsaerts to reprise the role in September at Bethpage Black. 

Colsaerts told GOLF his decision to retire has been "brewing for a couple of years". 

A health scare in January 2022 probably did not help matters. 

But, ultimately, he believes it is best to step away now knowing the fire no longer burns. 

"It's not as if I can't hit the shots required to play at this level," he told the publication. 

"It's not that. But too often I feel like I'm limping over the line."

He added: "I remember a quote from former Formula 1 world champion, Nelson Piquet.

"He said when you are driving for lesser teams and starting from the back of the grid it isn't as much fun. 

"That's how I feel. Because I don't have the will to practise, I can't be what I was. And I don't want to be a B-version of what I was.

"I know that if I kept going with what I am prepared to put in, it was never going to be pretty."

Colsaerts has already transitioned into a career in the media as a commentator. 

"When I do a week commentating on Tour, I go to bed every night in a much more peaceful manner," he added. 

"I wake up not feeling anxious about the tight drive on the second hole, that kind of stuff. 

"As a player, you have to switch off at times, but the game is always on your mind.

"Every step you take is defined by golf. I'm mentally tired of that."

Asked if he has any regrets or if he should have won more, Colsaerts said: "I'll be the first one to admit it, I could have done a lot better.

"I could have probably win about 10 or 15 times on Tour – I had what was required. 

"But trust me, I had a lot of fun those last 25 years as well. I look back with not as much regret as a lot of people might think.

"There's three wins but the thing that stands out, still going to ride the wave from [the European win at Bethpage Black] is the Ryder Cup.

"I was very lucky to be part of an incredible edition that will still be talked about in the next generations.

"I was the first from my country to play in it, and you know arguably, have taken down one of the best golfers, if not the best golfer that's ever lived on my own.

"I think when I look back, there's still a lot of things to be incredibly proud of."

Colsaerts is not the only notable name on the DP World Tour that has retired this year. 

Sweden's Alexander Bjork and Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera also called time on their careers. 

England's Oliver Wilson, who also represented Europe at the 2008 Ryder Cup, announced this week that he too is retiring at the age of 45. 

Wilson attempted to keep his career going by trying to get his card back at the final stage of qualifying school, but came up well short.