Former Ryder Cup star Oliver Wilson is stepping away from professional golf indefinitely, saying he’s fallen out of love with the sport and wants to spend more time with family
15:25 ET, 07 Dec 2025Updated 15:26 ET, 07 Dec 2025
Oliver Wilson stepping away after not earning Tour card(Image: Getty Images)
Former Ryder Cup star Oliver Wilson has announced on social media that he will be stepping away from competitive events as his career slows down and he wants to spend time with family.
Wilson, 45, joined the European tour in 2005 and spent 20 years on the circuit. He has multiple victories throughout his career, claiming the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in 2014 and the Made in HimmerLand eight years after.
He was honored to represent Europe in the biennial event of the Ryder Cup in 2008, where the US claimed victory at Valhalla. Wilson just recently failed to secure his tour card for next season at the final stage of PGA Tour’s Q- School and announced on Twitter that he is shortening his season.
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“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,” Wilson wrote on Twitter.
“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.”
Wilson is looking forward to spending time with his family while he takes a break from the game.
Oliver Wilson looking to spend more time with family as he steps away from golf
“If I’m honest, I haven’t enjoyed the travel for a few years,” he continued. “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.”
He added that his is grateful for every moment and had never dreamt of playing in the Ryder Cup.
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“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,” he continued. “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.”
