So Yeon Ryu stands as one of South Korea’s most accomplished golfers, a two-time major champion who captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her exceptional talent and gracious personality.
The former world number one achieved remarkable success throughout her professional career, culminating in a retirement that marked the end of an era for women’s golf.
Her journey from a violin-playing child to the pinnacle of professional golf showcases the dedication and skill that defined her 16-year career.
So Yeon Ryu’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ryu So-yeon (유소연) |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1990 |
| Age | 35 years old |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Education | Yonsei University (Sports Business, 2013) |
| Turned Professional | 2007 (Age 17) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $12-15 million |
| Career Earnings | $12,237,173 |
Early Career
So Yeon Ryu’s introduction to golf came through an unexpected path. Unlike many Korean golfers who learn through their parents, Ryu discovered the sport through her best friend in second grade.
Her parents had no background in golf, making her journey even more remarkable. What started as a school activity became her life’s passion when she fell in love with walking the course and being out in nature.
Before dedicating herself fully to golf, Ryu was a talented violinist who gave her first recital at age seven. This musical background created one of the most difficult decisions of her young life.
At age 12, when her golf skills were rapidly improving, her mother posed the crucial question: “Do you want to become a violinist or a professional golfer?” The decision wasn’t easy, as everyone recognized her musical talent, but Ryu chose golf, leaving behind her violin dreams to pursue the sport that would define her career.
Her amateur career flourished with impressive achievements, including representing South Korea at the 2006 Asian Games where she won both individual and team gold medals.
She dominated the competition with scores of 66-66-64-67 for a 29-under-par total and a nine-shot victory. Her success continued in 2007 when she powered the Korean squad to a remarkable 20-stroke victory in the Queen Sirikit Cup, also claiming individual honors.
Professional Career
Ryu turned professional at the remarkably young age of 17. Her professional debut came with immediate success, winning her first event in February 2008 on the American Cactus Tour by six strokes.
She then joined the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA), making an immediate impact by winning the very first event she played, the Sports Seoul Open.
Her breakthrough moment arrived on July 11, 2011, when she captured her first major championship at the U.S. Women’s Open. In dramatic fashion, she trailed clubhouse leader Hee Kyung Seo by one stroke on the final hole but hit her approach to six feet and made the crucial birdie putt to force a playoff.
She won the three-hole playoff with a birdie on the last hole, earning her LPGA Tour membership and establishing herself as a major force in women’s golf.
The victory launched her LPGA Tour career in 2012, where she was named Rookie of the Year. Her consistency was remarkable, with 16 top-ten finishes in her rookie season alone. She added her second LPGA Tour win in 2012 at the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic.
Her second major championship came at the 2017 ANA Inspiration, where she defeated Lexi Thompson in a playoff. That same year, she achieved her dream of reaching world number one, holding the position for 19 weeks.
Caddie
So Yeon Ryu’s caddie is Tom Watson, an Australian who shares his name with the American golf legend. The 39-year-old caddie was actually named after the famous Tom Watson, as his father watched Watson beat Jack Nicklaus to win The Open at Turnberry in 1977 and loved the performance so much that he decided to name his son after the champion. Ironically, his father made his middle name Jack, after Jack Nicklaus, creating a humorous situation for the caddie.
Watson’s father was a top-level amateur and great golf fan who was friends with Ian Baker Finch and Australian professional Michael Clayton. The partnership between Ryu and Watson proved highly successful, with Watson playing a significant role in her rise to world number one. Many of the caddies on tour consider themselves part of an extended family, with several caddies being longtime friends who Ryu considers her “uncles”.
So Yeon Ryu’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, So Yeon Ryu’s net worth is estimated to be between $12-15 million.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (USD) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | $5,806 | Non-official |
| 2009 | $13,111 | Non-official |
| 2010 | $61,878 | Non-official |
| 2011 | $624,477 | Non-official |
| 2012 | $1,282,673 | Official |
| 2013 | $1,278,864 | Official |
| 2014 | $1,468,804 | Official |
| 2015 | $1,292,395 | Official |
| 2016 | $1,259,651 | Official |
| 2017 | $1,981,593 | Official |
| 2018 | $1,438,850 | Official |
| 2019 | $815,768 | Official |
| 2020 | $320,626 | Official |
| 2021 | $687,086 | Official |
| 2022 | $332,195 | Official |
| 2023 | $78,668 | Official |
| 2024 | $0 | Official |
| Total Official LPGA Earnings | $12,237,173 | |
| Total Non-Official Earnings | $705,272 | |
| Total Career Earnings | $12,942,445 |
Endorsements
So Yeon Ryu secured several significant endorsement deals throughout her career. She served as a brand ambassador for Titleist, using their equipment including the Pro V1 golf ball with her unique marking system.
The partnership with Titleist was particularly notable, as she was featured in their promotional content and represented the brand at major championships. Her equipment sponsors provided substantial financial support, complementing her tournament earnings.
Additionally, she secured partnerships with various other brands, though specific financial details of these endorsement deals were typically kept private in accordance with industry standards.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Achievement |
|---|---|
| LPGA Tour Wins | 6 |
| Major Championships | 2 (2011 U.S. Women’s Open, 2017 ANA Inspiration) |
| KLPGA Wins | 10 |
| Total Professional Wins | 20 |
| World Number One Weeks | 19 weeks (2017) |
| Career Earnings | $12,237,173 |
| Career Events | 245 |
| Career Top-10 Finishes | 97 |
| Career Top-25 Finishes | 153 |
| Cuts Made Percentage | 94.9% (188 of 198 starts) |
| Rookie of the Year | 2012 |
| Player of the Year | 2017 (Co-winner) |
| Career Low Round | 61 |
FAQs
1. When did So Yeon Ryu retire from professional golf?
So Yeon Ryu announced her retirement and played her final tournament at the Chevron Championship concluding her 16-year professional career at age 33.
2. How many major championships did So Yeon Ryu win during her career?
Ryu won two major championships during her career: the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2017 ANA Inspiration, both victories coming through dramatic playoffs.
3. What is So Yeon Ryu’s educational background?
She graduated from Yonsei University with a degree in Sports Business, attending classes between tournaments while maintaining her professional golf career.
4. How long did So Yeon Ryu hold the world number one ranking?
Ryu held the world number one ranking for 19 weeks, becoming the third South Korean player to reach the top position after Inbee Park and Jiyai Shin.
5. What are So Yeon Ryu’s total career earnings from professional golf?
Her official LPGA Tour career earnings totaled $12,237,173, placing her 21st on the all-time LPGA money list and representing her success over 13 seasons on tour.
