Anna Nordqvist, the current captain of Team Europe for the Solheim Cup, took to social media this week to reveal that she will hang up her professional golf clubs after the FM Championship, which is being broadcast live on Sky Sports. The 39‑year‑old Swede, a three‑time major champion, will lead Europe at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from September 11 to 13, having participated in every Solheim Cup over the past nine editions as a player and contributing to five victorious campaigns. Although Nordqvist served as a playing vice‑captain in the last two Solheim Cups, she quickly ruled out the possibility of combining the captaincy with a playing role against the United States this year. She continues to compete on the LPGA Tour and remains a strong contender in major tournaments, but she has decided to end her playing career before the conclusion of the LPGA season.
In a joint post shared by the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour, Nordqvist wrote, "It is with a grateful heart that I am retiring from professional golf in Boston this week." She added a reflective letter that traced her journey from arriving in the United States two decades ago with just two suitcases, a golf bag and a dream of testing herself against the world’s best. "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 said. Nordqvist acknowledged the challenges of being far from family, the many setbacks she endured, and the unwavering support she received from loved ones. Her résumé includes a maiden major victory at the 2009 LPGA Championship and a second major win at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open, alongside nine LPGA Tour titles, three Ladies European Tour wins, and two Olympic appearances for Sweden.
Throughout her career she has been a consistent presence in the world rankings, currently sitting inside the top 120 globally and within the top 75 of the Race to CME Globe points race. The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow golfers. Annika Sörenstam, a ten‑time major champion and Nordqvist’s compatriot, praised the "great career" of the retiring star.
Jessica Korda, Auston Kim and several other players also sent congratulations and well‑wishes. During her pre‑tournament press conference in Boston, Nordqvist explained why she chose this moment to retire.
"When I accepted the captaincy, I wanted to share this journey with the girls, and this event is essentially the last stop before the Solheim Cup. I feel I have given my all and been there for them every step of the way," she said. She added that the past few seasons had been physically demanding as she worked to regain her form, and she wanted to finish on her own terms.
"This year I finally felt like myself again inside the ropes, and I wanted to end my career while I was still enjoying the game," Nordqvist explained. Looking ahead, she expressed a desire to focus on family and health. "I’m 39 and I have dreams of starting a family, so there is a time and a place for everything.
I’m content with what I have accomplished and ready to turn my attention to my loved ones," she said. Nordqvist also revealed that she had made the retirement decision earlier in the year but kept it private until the FM Championship.
When asked about the reaction to her social‑media announcement, she noted that most media coverage this season has centered on the upcoming Solheim Cup rather than her personal milestones, allowing her to enjoy the final tournaments—such as the Evian Championship and the AIG Women’s Open—without intrusive questioning. Travel woes added drama to her final week. She recounted a 22‑hour journey from Canada to Boston, including cancelled flights and a moment when she found herself sitting on the floor of Toronto’s airport, upset at the prospect of missing her retirement dinner with the team.
The LPGA commissioner granted her an exemption from the mandatory player meeting, giving her extra time to be with teammates before the event. Fans can follow the Solheim Cup action live on Sky Sports Golf from September 11‑13, where Team Europe will aim to reclaim the trophy from the United States. The broadcast will feature three days of competition, with additional coverage of related events and behind‑the‑scenes content. For those interested in playing the sport themselves, Sky Sports offers deals on golf courses across the UK and Ireland, with more than 1,700 venues available for booking.
Users can search by course name, city or postal code to find the perfect tee time. Anna Nordqvist’s retirement marks the end of an era for Swedish golf and for the Solheim Cup, where she has been a constant presence both on the fairways and now as a leader. Her legacy includes not only the trophies she lifted but also the inspiration she provides to younger players aspiring to compete at the highest level.
As she steps away from professional competition, the golfing world wishes her health, happiness, and success in the next chapter of her life.