With the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black just around the corner, Nicolas Colsaerts has announced his decision to retire from professional golf. The Belgian star, affectionately known as the “Belgian Bomber,” played a key role in Team Europe’s famous 2023 triumph over the United States but was left out of this year’s team by captain Luke Donald.
The 42-year-old served as Donald’s vice-captain in Rome two years ago, when Europe secured a 16.5–11.5 victory at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. Despite his contribution to that success, Colsaerts admitted he was “very disappointed” not to be involved this week in New York.
Speaking to Sky Sports Golf, he said:
“It’s a competition I live for, the only thing that’s really got me out of bed for the last couple of years. Extremely disappointed, yes. But the captain is in charge. Out of respect for the competition and the players representing us, I’ll always back them. Of course, I would have loved to be there and help, but it’s the fact I can’t help that makes me sad.”
Colsaerts explained that retirement had been on his mind for several years. His upcoming 500th career tournament will mark his final appearance on the European Tour.
“I’ve been contemplating this for two or three years because life just makes things complicated to manage,” he admitted. “I don’t have the energy to play 25 or 30 weeks a year just to try to pick up half a point here and there. I’m a bit fried. The decision was made a while ago, but I wanted to reach 500 tournaments. That was close to my heart.”
Over the course of a 25-year career that began in 2001, Colsaerts established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting talents. He was central to the famous “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012, partnering with Lee Westwood to defeat Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker in the Friday fourballs, thanks to a string of remarkable long putts.
Although not selected for this Ryder Cup, Colsaerts will still be in New York briefly to support the team and later work as a pundit for Sky Sports during the weekend’s coverage.
He added:
“I’ll always back the team. I’ll always wish them good luck. I’ll always think the world of the guys representing us, and I hope we keep the cup.”
Colsaerts leaves the game as both a Ryder Cup hero and one of the European Tour’s most respected figures—his legacy defined by passion, flair, and unforgettable moments on golf’s grandest stage.
