Anna Nordqvist, the respected captain of Team Europe for the upcoming Solheim Cup, took to her social‑media accounts this week to confirm 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, has decided that this week in Boston will be her final appearance on the LPGA Tour, marking the end of a distinguished playing career that has spanned two decades.
Nordqvist will still lead Europe at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from September 11 to 13, a tournament that serves as the final preparation before the Solheim Cup. Her involvement with the event is historic: she has competed in every Solheim Cup since her debut, appearing in nine editions as a player and contributing to five victorious campaigns. In the two most recent Cups she served as a playing vice‑captain, but she quickly ruled out the possibility of combining the captain’s duties with a playing role this year, opting instead to focus on guiding the team from the sidelines while she finishes her own playing schedule.
Despite still being a regular on the LPGA Tour and maintaining a solid position in the world rankings – inside the top 120 globally and within the top 75 of the Race to CME Globe – Nordqvist announced that she will retire before the conclusion of the season. 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 professional golf in Boston this week.” Her résumé includes a first major victory at the 2009 LPGA Championship and a second at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open, as well as nine LPGA Tour wins, three Ladies European Tour titles, and two Olympic appearances for Sweden.
In a longer letter posted online, Nordqvist reflected on her 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 took me exactly where I imagined, I am incredibly proud of how far I have come and grateful for the opportunities this sport has given me.” She continued, acknowledging the sacrifices involved: “It hasn’t always been easy, especially being far from my family, but they have supported me every step of the way. I have fallen many times, but I never gave up and I always got back on my feet. I am forever thankful for everything the game has given me and for the people I have met along the way.” Nordqvist confessed that saying goodbye to a sport that has defined her life is difficult.
“I don’t know how to say farewell to something that means so much to me, but this will be my last week walking inside the ropes on tour. I am not sure what the future holds, but I have decided to retire to focus on my health and my family. Thank you to everyone who has supported me; it has meant the world to me.” The reaction from the golfing community was immediate.
Swedish legend Annika Sörenstam, a ten‑time major winner, responded with a heartfelt tribute, calling Nordqvist’s career “great.” Other players, including Jessica Korda and Auston Kim, also sent congratulations and well‑wishes. During her pre‑tournament press conference in Boston, Nordqvist explained why she chose this moment to step away. “When I accepted the captaincy, I said I wanted to experience this journey with the girls, and this tournament is essentially the final event before the Solheim Cup. I feel I have given my all and been there for the team every step of the way.” She added that the past few seasons have been challenging as she worked to regain her form: “The last couple of years have been tough, trying to get my game back.
I always wanted to finish on my own terms, and now I finally have that opportunity.” She described how, for the first time in a while, she felt comfortable inside the ropes again and wanted to end her career on a positive note: “This year I finally started feeling like myself again on the course, and I wanted to finish my career when I was enjoying the game and when things were in a good place both on and off the course.” Looking ahead, Nordqvist shared personal aspirations beyond golf. “I am 39 and I have dreams of one day having my own family, so I feel there is a time and place for everything.
I am content with what I have accomplished, and now it is time to focus on my family and my health.” She confirmed that the decision to retire had been made earlier in the year, but she kept it private until now. When asked about the reaction to her retirement announcement, she noted that most media coverage this season has centered on the Solheim Cup rather than her personal milestones. “It was important for me to have this moment for myself, to process it with close friends and loved ones.
The commissioner allowed me to skip the player meeting so I could spend time with my team, which meant a lot.” Nordqvist also recounted a chaotic start to her week caused by travel delays. “I endured a nightmare getting from Canada to Boston – cancelled flights, delays, and a 22‑hour journey. At one point I was sitting on the airport floor in Toronto, crying because I feared missing my retirement dinner with the team.” She expressed gratitude for the flexibility granted by the tour officials, which allowed her to attend the dinner despite the logistical hurdles.
The announcement has added an emotional layer to the upcoming Solheim Cup, where Team Europe will aim to reclaim the trophy from the United States. Fans can watch the three‑day showdown live on Sky Sports Golf from September 11‑13, with additional streaming options available through NOW.
As the competition approaches, Nordqvist’s legacy as both a player and a leader will be a focal point of discussion, underscoring her impact on European women’s golf. Beyond the tournament, golf enthusiasts can explore special offers on courses across the UK and Ireland, with more than 1,700 venues available for booking.
The sport continues to grow, and Nordqvist’s retirement marks the end of an era while also opening the door for the next generation of Swedish and European talent to step into the spotlight.