Anna Nordqvist, the seasoned Solheim Cup captain, took to social media this week to reveal that she will hang up her professional golf clubs after the upcoming FM Championship, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The 39‑year‑old Swede, a three‑time major champion, will lead Team Europe at Bernardus Golf 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 dismissed the notion of juggling the dual responsibilities of captaincy and competition against the United States in the Netherlands.
She continues to compete regularly on the LPGA Tour and remains a formidable presence in major tournaments, yet she has decided to conclude her illustrious playing career before the end 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 announce my retirement from professional golf in Boston this week." She added a reflective letter that traced her journey from a young Swedish golfer arriving in the United States with only 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 life this sport has given me," she said. Nordqvist acknowledged the sacrifices involved, especially the distance from family, and thanked the supporters who have stood by her.
Nordqvist’s résumé includes a maiden major victory at the 2009 LPGA Championship and a second major title at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open, alongside nine LPGA Tour wins, three Ladies European Tour triumphs, and two Olympic appearances for Sweden. Her career has been marked by resilience; she has fallen many times but always risen again, a theme she emphasized in her farewell message.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of admiration from fellow golfers. Annika Sörenstam, a ten‑time major winner and Nordqvist’s compatriot, responded with a tribute to her "great career," while players such as Jessica Korda and Auston Kim also sent congratulations. During her pre‑tournament press conference in Boston, Nordqvist explained the timing of her decision.
"When I accepted the captaincy, I said I wanted to share this journey with the girls, and this event is essentially the final stop before the Solheim Cup. I feel I have given my all and been there for the team every step of the way," she said. She added that the past few years have been challenging as she worked to regain her form, and that she wanted to finish on her own terms, enjoying the game both on and off the course.
"I’m 39 and I have aspirations of starting a family, so I believe there is a proper time for everything. I’m content with what I have achieved and now I want to focus on my health and my family," Nordqvist explained. She confirmed that the decision to retire was made earlier in the year, but she kept it private until the FM Championship. When asked about the reaction to her social‑media announcement, Nordqvist said, "It’s been a journey.
This year the media focus has been almost entirely on the Solheim Cup, not on me personally. Having a moment to process this with my loved ones, who already knew my plans, has been important." She expressed gratitude for being able to enjoy her final major appearances—such as the Evian Championship and the AIG Women’s Open—without intrusive questioning. Travel woes added drama to the week. Nordqvist recounted a harrowing 22‑hour journey from Canada to Boston, involving cancelled and delayed flights.
"At one point I was sitting on the floor of Toronto’s airport, crying, because I feared missing my retirement dinner with the team," she said. The tournament commissioner allowed her to skip a player meeting so she could join her teammates, a gesture she appreciated.
Looking ahead, the Solheim Cup will be contested from September 11‑13, with Sky Sports providing live coverage of all three days. Fans can stream the event via NOW or explore Sky Sports deals for additional viewing options.
As Nordqvist steps away from competitive play, she leaves a legacy of perseverance, leadership, and sportsmanship that will inspire future generations of golfers. Her retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter, but also the beginning of a new phase focused on family, health, and perhaps new roles within the sport she loves.