Elizabeth Szokol Bio
Elizabeth Nicole Szokol, born on June 17, 1995, in Winnetka, Illinois, is an American professional golfer who competed on the LPGA Tour. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, Szokol built her career through perseverance and a late introduction to the sport, eventually earning full playing rights on the LPGA Tour by 2019. Over the course of her professional career, she collected two tournament victories, one on the Symetra Tour and one on the LPGA Tour, and earned recognition for her consistency in major championships.
Szokol announced her retirement from the LPGA Tour after missing the cut at The Annika tournament in November 2025, bringing a close to a career that spanned from 2017 through the 2025 season. Her journey from a teenage beginner in a Chicago suburb to a tour-level professional has been noted for its determination and steady improvement.
Early Life and Background
Elizabeth Nicole Szokol grew up in Winnetka, Illinois, a suburb located on Chicago’s North Shore. As a young athlete, she was drawn to softball and tennis, sports that kept her active but also exposed her body to physical strain. At the age of 12, she underwent her first knee surgery, an injury that forced her to step away from her usual sports and rethink her athletic path.
The downtime from that early surgery ultimately shaped the direction of her life. While recovering, Szokol was introduced to golf at the age of 14, and the sport quickly became her focus. She developed rapidly in her new discipline, leading her high school team to the 2010 Illinois State Championship. Just two years later, in 2012, she claimed the title of Illinois Women’s Amateur Champion, signaling that she was ready to take her game to the collegiate level.
Path to Golf
Following her amateur success, Elizabeth Nicole Szokol committed to Northwestern University, where she played from 2012 to 2014. During her sophomore year, she earned Academic All-Big Ten honors and was named to the Second Team All-Big Ten. At the 2013 Big Ten Championships, she played a key role as the Wildcats tied for first and shared the program’s first Big Ten Conference title.
For her junior year, Szokol transferred to the University of Virginia, where she continued to perform at a high level. In her senior season, she was recognized on the Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Golf All-Academic Team, capping off a strong college career. Her academic and athletic success at two major universities helped prepare her for the next stage of competition.
Elizabeth Szokol Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
Elizabeth Nicole Szokol turned professional in 2017 and immediately joined the Symetra Tour, the developmental circuit for the LPGA Tour. In her rookie season, she made a strong impression with six top-10 finishes, including a runner-up result at the Four Winds Invitational. That consistent play established her as one of the promising rookies to watch on tour.
The 2018 season marked a breakthrough for Szokol. She recorded seven top-10 finishes and captured her first professional victory at the IOA Invitational, where she finished four strokes ahead of Pajaree Anannarukarn. By ending the year fourth on the Symetra Tour Official Money List, she earned full membership on the LPGA Tour for the 2019 season.
LPGA Tour Breakthrough (2019-2021)
Elizabeth Nicole Szokol began her LPGA Tour career in 2019, making 10 cuts in 20 starts during her rookie year. Her strongest performance came at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open, where she tied for sixth. Although she did not secure a victory in her first season, she proved she could compete at the game’s highest level.
The 2020 and 2021 seasons brought further progress. In 2021, Szokol posted three top-10 finishes, highlighted by a runner-up result at the Marathon Classic in Ohio and a third-place finish at the Cognizant Founders Cup in New Jersey. Her strong play that year pushed her into the top-100 of the Women’s World Golf Rankings for the first time, and she ended the season 44th on the LPGA Tour Money List.
LPGA Tour Era (2022-2025)
Following her 2021 momentum, Elizabeth Nicole Szokol continued to compete on the LPGA Tour in the seasons that followed. She maintained her playing privileges and continued to chase her first LPGA victory, knocking on the door with several solid finishes in regular events and majors. Her experience on a variety of courses helped her develop a more well-rounded game.
By the 2025 season, Szokol had become a familiar face on tour. She recorded a T30 finish at the Chevron Championship and posted a T26 at the Women’s British Open in 2021, along with a T29 at the Evian Championship that same year. Her major championship appearances reflected a player capable of competing on the biggest stages, even as she waited for her breakthrough win at the top level.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Elizabeth Nicole Szokol’s career came at the 2018 IOA Invitational, where her four-stroke victory announced her arrival as a professional. Her rise into the top-100 of the Women’s World Golf Rankings in 2021 and her runner-up finish at the Marathon Classic that same year stood as additional highlights that defined her competitive prime.
Elizabeth Szokol Career Wins
Across her career, Elizabeth Nicole Szokol recorded two professional victories, one on the Symetra Tour and one on the LPGA Tour. Her Symetra Tour win came at the 2018 IOA Invitational, while her lone LPGA Tour title came later in her career. In addition to her victories, she collected numerous top-10 finishes across both tours, underscoring her consistency.
LPGA Tour Highlights
Elizabeth Nicole Szokol’s LPGA Tour victory stands as the signature achievement of her top-level career. Beyond that win, she recorded top-10 finishes at major tournaments and regular events, including her runner-up at the 2021 Marathon Classic and her third-place result at the Cognizant Founders Cup that same year. Her best major championship finish was a T30 at the 2025 Chevron Championship.
Symetra Tour Highlights
On the Symetra Tour, Elizabeth Nicole Szokol’s biggest moment came at the 2018 IOA Invitational, which she won by four strokes. She also logged a runner-up finish at the Four Winds Invitational during her 2017 rookie season. Her strong play on the developmental tour paved the way for her promotion to the LPGA Tour in 2019.
Elizabeth Szokol Family
Personal Life
Elizabeth Nicole Szokol has largely kept her personal life private, and limited verified information is available about her relationships or family members. Her known personal details are limited to her birthplace of Winnetka, Illinois, and her career as a professional golfer competing in the United States.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked the final chapter of Elizabeth Nicole Szokol’s professional career. She competed in events throughout the year, including a T30 finish at the Chevron Championship, one of the major championships on the LPGA Tour. Her presence in majors during the season reflected her continued status as a competitive player at the top level of women’s golf.
Despite her efforts during the 2025 campaign, Szokol struggled to find the form that had pushed her into the top-100 of the Women’s World Golf Rankings earlier in her career. Following a missed cut at The Annika tournament in November 2025, she made the decision to retire from the LPGA Tour. Her departure closed a career that began in 2017 and included a Symetra Tour win, an LPGA Tour victory, and numerous strong finishes across both circuits.