Anna Nordqvist, the distinguished captain of Team Europe for the upcoming Solheim Cup, took to social media this week to announce that she will hang up her professional golf clubs after the FM Championship, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The 39‑year‑old Swede, a three‑time major champion, will still fulfill her captaincy duties at the Bernardus Golf venue in the Netherlands from September 11 to 13, but she has decided to end her playing career before the conclusion of the LPGA Tour season. Nordqvist’s involvement with the Solheim Cup spans a decade.
She has competed as a player in each of the last nine editions and has been a member of five victorious European squads. In the two most recent contests she served as a playing vice‑captain, a role that gave her a taste of leadership while still competing on the course.
When the opportunity arose to assume the full captaincy for the 2026 event, she quickly concluded that she could not effectively combine the responsibilities of captain with the demands of competing against Team USA, especially while maintaining a regular schedule on the LPGA Tour and continuing to contend in major championships. Despite still being ranked inside the world’s top 120 players and sitting within the top 75 of the Race to CME Globe points race, Nordqvist confirmed that she will retire from tournament golf at the end of this week’s event in Boston. In a joint post shared by the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour she wrote, “It is with a grateful heart that I am retiring from playing professional golf in Boston this week.” Her career highlights are extensive. Nordqvist captured her first major title at the 2009 LPGA Championship and added a second major at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open.
Over the course of her career she has amassed nine LPGA Tour victories, three additional wins on the Ladies European Tour, and has represented Sweden at two Olympic Games. She also boasts a record of nine Solheim Cup appearances, contributing to five European triumphs. In a heartfelt letter posted on her social channels, Nordqvist reflected on her two‑decade journey from a young Swedish hopeful to a seasoned world‑class competitor.
“Twenty years ago I arrived in the United States with two suitcases, a golf bag and a dream of one day competing with the best golfers in the world,” she wrote. She went on to acknowledge the challenges of being far from home, the support of her family, and the resilience required to overcome setbacks: “I have fallen many times, but I never gave up and I stood up every time I fell. I am forever thankful for everything this game has given me and the people I have met along the way.” Nordqvist’s farewell message conveyed both gratitude and uncertainty about what lies ahead. “I don’t know how to say goodbye to something that means so much to me, but this is going to be my last week walking inside the ropes competing on tour,” she said.
She added that her decision is driven by a desire to focus on health and family: “I am not sure what the future has in store for me, but it is with a grateful heart that I have decided to retire from playing professional golf to focus on my health and my family. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this journey and been part of it along the way. It has meant the world to me.” The golf community responded quickly with tributes.
Annika Sörenstam, a compatriot and ten‑time major winner, posted a congratulatory note praising Nordqvist’s “great career.” Other players, including Jessica Korda and Auston Kim, also sent messages of support and admiration. Looking forward, Nordqvist will shift her focus entirely to her captaincy duties for the 2026 Solheim Cup. The competition, scheduled for September 11‑13 at Bernardus Golf, will be broadcast live across all three days on Sky Sports Golf, with additional streaming options available through NOW without a contract. Fans can tune in to watch Team Europe’s attempt to reclaim the trophy from the United States, while also keeping an eye on the broader golf calendar as the LPGA Tour winds down.
Nordqvist’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who has consistently demonstrated skill, perseverance, and leadership on the global stage. Her decision to step away from competition while still at a high level underscores a thoughtful approach to life beyond sport, emphasizing health, family, and the lasting relationships forged through golf.
As she transitions to a full‑time captain and ambassador for the game, the sport will undoubtedly feel the impact of her experience and passion, both on and off the course.