Sports stars devote a significant portion of their lives to perfecting their game, establishing a profound connection with their chosen sport. The golfing world has recently seen several players, particularly women, retiring prematurely due to personal commitments. A notable instance is Tiger Woods’s niece, Cheyenne Nicole Woods, who bid adieu to her professional golfing career following the birth of her first child.
Women’s golf has witnessed the retirement of several stars, including Michelle Wie West and Lexi Thompson, who chose to step away from the sport due to personal reasons. Wie West, during an interview, revealed, “I genuinely desired to extend my playing years, particularly after welcoming my daughter, Makenna. Unfortunately, I had to prioritize my health.”
Cheyenne Woods, who turned professional in 2012 after graduating from Wake Forest University, is the latest addition to this list. During her career, she claimed two professional victories while playing in the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA Tour, and the Symetra Tour. Despite not officially announcing her retirement, she hasn’t played professionally since the birth of her son, Cameron Hicks, in 2022.
The pro golfer’s departure from her profession has evidently left a gap. In an interview with Golfweek in 2024, she admitted to missing the sport, albeit not the travel. She confessed to watching more golf now than she ever did during her career, which spanned a decade, including almost five years as an LPGA professional after receiving her tour card in 2016.
However, her absence from the golf course has not gone unnoticed. Her impact is still widely acknowledged, and she continues to receive accolades for her exceptional contributions to the sport. Recently, she was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame, an honor she shared enthusiastically with her Instagram followers.
Cheyenne Woods’s time at Wake Forest was marked by outstanding achievements. As a part of the Demon Deacons, she set a school record for the lowest career scoring average. She was also a two-time All-American and a three-time All-ACC Championship winner. Following 30 amateur titles and four years of college golf, she then embarked on her professional journey.
Despite stepping back from professional golf to focus on her family, Woods has found ways to remain connected to the sport. She continues to inspire others in the field, including her husband Aaron Hicks, a professional baseball player who showcased his golfing prowess at the 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in the celebrity division. Their son, Cameron Woods, has also begun to show signs of following in his mother’s footsteps.
Currently, Cheyenne Woods serves as a golf ambassador, promoting the sport through appearances and clinics. She was also part of a First Tee discussion and uses her social media presence to promote NBC Golf Passes. Importantly, she remains an active practitioner on the course, often seen practicing with her children or alone, as evidenced by her social media posts.
There’s been considerable speculation about a potential comeback by Woods, fueled by her regular practice sessions. However, she has not yet given any official confirmation. Her story continues to inspire and engage the golfing world and beyond, with many eagerly awaiting any signs of her return to the professional circuit.