DP World Tour pro Alexander Bjork has announced his retirement from professional golf with immediate effect.
The 35-year-old Swede turned professional 17 years ago and has amassed 10 victories.
He earned his first European Tour card in 2017 and secured the biggest victory of his career at the Volvo China Open a year later.
Bjork managed to earn his first PGA Tour card in 2023 after finishing fifth in the Race to Dubai.
He participated in nine major championships, with his best finish 41st at the 2023 Open held at Royal Liverpool.
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Bjork announced his shock retirement from professional golf on 5 September with a lengthy statement on his Instagram page.
“I have now chosen to step back and end my professional career,” he said.
“I want to spend more time with my family, and I feel truly motivated to start a new chapter in my life.
“I leave with joy, pride and gratitude. I have always given everything, I regret nothing, and I have been fortunate to experience wonderful encounters, memories, friendships and lessons which I will always carry with me.
“I want to express my deepest thanks to everyone who has been part of the journey and supported my career in any way – family, friends, sponsors, coaches, federations, clubs, fans, and many more.”
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Read his full statement here: 
Alexander Bjork’s statement
Bjork’s final start on the DP World Tour saw him miss the cut at last week’s Omega European Masters in Switzerland.
At the same tournament, popular French pro Mike Lorenzo-Vera also retired from the sport, having spent the last few years struggling with anxiety.
Lorenzo-Vera, 40, also missed the cut at Crans-sur-Sierre and was reduced to tears as his two children walked the final hole with him.
Lorenzo-Vera never managed to win on the DP World Tour but he did have 32 top-10 finishes including five runner-ups.
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He won his sole event as a pro on the lower-tier Challenge Tour at the 2007 Apulia San Domenico Grand Final.
Lorenzo-Vera took an extended break from the DP World Tour last season in a bid to protect his mental health.
He then confirmed his retirement from the game in April this year.
Lorenzo-Vera wanted to make his final DP World Tour start at Crans-sur-Sierre because it’s where his father sadly passed away while he was on the first hole during the first round of the 2015 Omega European Masters.
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