Diminutive Kim Mi-hyun will retire after 24 years in competitive golf. The 35-year-old winner of both Korean and U.S. LPGA titles announced on Wednesday that she wants to dedicate herself to passing on her knowledge as she prepares to open a golf academy.

Three years ago, Kim began suffering from chronic pain in her left ankle and both knees. She underwent surgery early this year but has struggled to get back in shape.

"I did my best to recover until recently, but now I've decided that it might be more worthwhile at this point to share my experience and skills with aspiring or junior golfers," she said.

Kim Mi-hyun

Kim has already hired two professional instructors and fitness experts for her academy, which will have its grand opening next month, and is busy drawing up the details of various training programs.

Kim, who ranks alongside Pak Se-ri and Grace Park as part of the first generation of female golfers that made the sport so popular in Korea, won 11 Korean titles and eight U.S. LPGA titles during her career.

Among the three, only Pak remains active as the other two have both retired from competitive golf.