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When one thinks of Ryder Cup legends, the name Victor Dubuisson surely comes to mind for any avid fan of international golf. As a member of the dominant European team that triumphed on American soil in 2014, Dubuisson etched his name into Ryder Cup lore with several clutch moments that helped secure victory. However, few could have predicted the Frenchman's decision earlier this year to leave the game altogether at the young age of 33.
The Frenchman made the decision to retire from the sport seven months ago to focus on a new career as a golf coach based in Tenerife.
Victor Dubuisson is retiring at age 33/ Getty Images
However, Dubuisson revealed he was recently offered a last-minute deal to join the controversial LIV Golf Series. In an interview with Bunkered magazine, Dubuisson said LIV Golf offered him an invitation but he turned it down.
"[LIV] offered me an invite at the last minute. I had many, many plans for coaching and it was difficult to throw it all away. One year of preparation for this project and I didn’t want to again be in between two things. That’s why I didn’t take the invite. I prefer that another guy got the invite and used it well," he said.
Dubuisson enjoyed success in his professional career, achieving a high of 15th in the world rankings. His standout achievement came at the 2014 Ryder Cup where he helped Team Europe to victory.
While he expressed pride in his accomplished career playing the European and French tours, the grueling lifestyle of a pro golfer had clearly taken its toll on Dubuisson in recent years. Plagued by inconsistent form and injuries, he withdrew from 15 events in his final three seasons in what became a frustrating decline.
It was then that Dubuisson realized he'd fallen out of love with the game and knew it was time for a major change. After carefully pondering his options for over a year, he launched a new coaching center based in Tenerife where he could share his immense knowledge and experience with up-and-coming players.
As one of the LIV series' most high-profile defectors to date, it's surely a decision that came as a surprise to many around the golfing world. However, for Dubuisson, his priorities now clearly lie off the course as he prepares players for brighter futures. While fans will forever applaud his Ryder Cup feats, Victor Dubuisson seems content having truly left the game behind.
Dubuisson insists he is happier focusing on his new coaching venture, saying "I was always stuck between coaching and playing. I didn't want to go to tournaments... I was feeling good with my game, but I was just feeling bad with all the traveling and I felt like I wanted to do something else. I was not mentally in a good place.
"I knew I was not happy anymore with this life. After 13 years I was tired of it and wanted to have a different life."
He added: "I have the same mentality for coaching as I did for golf when I was at the top. I don’t just do it to spend the time. I have really big targets and motivation. For me, it’s not a job. It’s the same mentality as competition. Now I could become one of the main coaches in Europe, not really for a professional but for every level."
Social Media Reacted To Victor Dubuisson's Retirement
I heard that Victor Dubuisson is retiring from professional golf. He is just 33 and with a lot of talent but life is more than golf, and if you want to be a professional golfer first of all you have to love it. I wish him all the best. True talent.
— Pablo Larrazabal (@plarrazabal) December 5, 2023
Have just heard the sad news that Victor Dubuisson has announced his retirement from golf. There were signs it might be coming, but it’s still jarring that such a naturally gifted player is hanging up his clubs at just 33. My favourite highlight… pic.twitter.com/8GepqzsDEV
— Sam Harrop (@sam_golf) December 5, 2023
Please @louistheroux seek out former Ryder Cup winner Victor Dubuisson. It'd be box office stuff
— Niall Lyons (@Betgolfworld) December 5, 2023
He cut out the middle man. Happy retirement Vic.
— Golf Gamblor (@GamblorGolf) December 5, 2023
It’s been fun 🇫🇷🎣 https://t.co/H01LVXSGzn
Best of luck for what comes next @Vdubush , you have inspired many of us throughout an amazing career 🇫🇷. #golf #respect #legend #thankyou
— Joël Stalter (@JoelStalter21) December 5, 2023
It definitely has been coming but it's official that Victor Dubuisson retires from Golf at 33 years of age
— Craig Thomson (@ThomsonGolf94) December 5, 2023
Was a mercurial talent just don't think he had the passion or the longevity for tour life anymore. Sad in ways but the WD's were alarming
