Anna Nordqvist, the current captain of the European Solheim Cup team, took to social media this week to reveal that she will hang up her professional golf clubs after this weekend’s FM Championship, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The 39‑year‑old Swede, a three‑time major champion, will still lead Team Europe at Bernardus Golf from September 11‑13, 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 more than a decade. She has competed in each of the last nine editions of the biennial contest and was a member of five victorious European squads.
In the two most recent events she served as a playing vice‑captain, but she quickly concluded that she could not realistically combine the duties of full captain with the demands of competing against the United States on Dutch soil. Although she continues to appear regularly on the LPGA Tour and remains competitive in major championships, she has opted to focus on her health and family rather than try to juggle both roles. At present Nordqvist sits inside the world’s top 120 players and is positioned within the top 75 of the Race to CME Globe points race.
Nevertheless, she confirmed that she will retire from tournament golf before the season’s final events. 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 résumé includes a maiden major victory at the 2009 LPGA Championship and a second major triumph at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open.
Over the course of her career she has amassed nine LPGA Tour wins, three additional titles on the Ladies European Tour, and she has represented Sweden at two Olympic Games. In a heartfelt letter posted to her social channels, Nordqvist reflected on her two‑decade journey: “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.
While my dreams never quite took me this far, I am very proud of how far I’ve come and grateful for the dream I’ve been able to live ever since.” She continued, acknowledging the sacrifices required by a life on tour: “I can’t say it has always been easy, especially being so far away from my family, but they have supported me every step of the way. I’ve 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 admitted that saying goodbye to the sport that has defined her adult life is difficult. “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.
“I am not sure what the future holds, but with a grateful heart 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 on this journey and been part of it along the way. It has meant the world to me.” Her announcement prompted an outpouring of respect from fellow players and legends of the game.
Annika Sörenstam, a compatriot and ten‑time major champion, responded with a tribute to Nordqvist’s “great career.” Other current tour members such as Jessica Korda and Auston Kim also sent congratulatory messages, celebrating her achievements and wishing her well in the next chapter of her life. Looking ahead, Nordqvist will transition fully into her captaincy duties for the 2026 Solheim Cup, which will be contested from September 11‑13 at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands. The event will be televised live across all three days on Sky Sports Golf, with streaming options available via NOW without a contract. Fans can also follow related coverage, including Nordqvist’s captain’s column for Europe, the latest golf news, reports, and highlights, as well as a dedicated guide to everything you need to know about the 2026 Solheim Cup.
While the focus now shifts to Europe’s bid to reclaim the trophy, Nordqvist’s retirement marks the end of an era for one of Sweden’s most decorated golfers. Her legacy includes not only her major victories and consistent presence in the world rankings, but also her role as a mentor and leader for the next generation of European players. As she steps away from competitive play, the golf community will remember her for her resilience, sportsmanship, and the inspiration she provided to countless aspiring golfers worldwide.