“Retirement” is different for pro golfers than other athletes.
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Kirk Triplett isn’t ready for his competitive golf career to end.Getty Images
Golfersdon’talwaysretire.Notclearlyandpublicly,atleast.Becausetheydon’tneedteamstosignthemtocontracts,becausetourstatushasplentyshadesofgray,becausethephysicaldemandsofthesportarelesserthan,say,football,professionalgolfcareerscanjust…keepgoing.
Wedosometimesgetchancestobidfarewelltoourbig-timegolfstars,ifdecadeslaterthanwewouldinothersports;thinkArnoldPalmerinhisfinalU.S.Openat64orJackNicklausinhisfinalMastersat65.Buttherank-and-fileplayerswhocomposethefieldsofthebiggesttournamentsintheworld?Theymighteventuallyplayareducedschedule,oronadifferenttour,orsettheirsightsontheseniortour,perhapsslightlylesseachyearuntilit’sfinallytime.
AndsoIfounditunexpectedlymovingtolistentothepost-roundinterviewsofseveralPGATourChampionsplayersafterlastweek’sSASChampionship,thefinalregular-seasonevent,astheyconsideredtheendsoftheirrespectivecareers.Theav
