Anna Nordqvist, the seasoned captain of Team Europe for the upcoming 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, has already confirmed that the tournament in Boston will be her final appearance on the LPGA Tour before she steps away from competitive play.
Nordqvist will lead Europe at the Bernardus Golf Course in the Netherlands from September 11 to 13, a role she earned after participating in every Solheim Cup since her debut as a player. Over the past nine editions she has been a member of five victorious teams, and she served as a playing vice‑captain in the two most recent contests.
However, she quickly ruled out the possibility of combining the captaincy with a playing role this year, opting instead to focus solely on guiding her teammates against Team USA. Despite still maintaining a regular presence on the LPGA Tour and posting solid results in major championships, Nordqvist remains comfortably inside the world’s top 120 players and sits within the top 75 of the Race to CME Globe points race.
Yet she has decided to conclude her glittering career before the season officially ends, citing health considerations and a desire to spend more time with her family. 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 reflected on her journey, noting that she first arrived in the United States two decades ago with just two suitcases, a golf bag, and a dream of competing against the world’s best. While that dream did not lead her to the exact destination she imagined, she expressed pride in how far she has come and gratitude for the opportunities the sport has provided.
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, complemented by nine LPGA Tour wins, three Ladies European Tour titles, and two Olympic appearances representing Sweden. Her retirement announcement prompted an outpouring of support from fellow golfers, including a heartfelt tribute from compatriot Annika Sörenstam, a ten‑time major winner, as well as congratulations from Jessica Korda, Auston Kim, and many others.
During her pre‑tournament press conference in Boston, Nordqvist explained why she chose this moment to step away. She said, "When I accepted the captaincy, I wanted to experience this journey with the players, and this tournament is essentially the last 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 years had been challenging as she worked to regain her form, and she wanted to end her playing days on her own terms, while she still felt enjoyment and confidence on the course. "I finally feel like myself again inside the ropes," she told reporters, "and I wanted to finish my career when I was still loving the game and when things were in a good place both on and off the course." At 39, Nordqvist said she dreams of starting a family and believes the timing is right to shift her focus toward health and personal life.
"I’m quite content with what I’ve accomplished, and it’s time to turn my attention to my family and my well‑being," she affirmed. She also disclosed that the decision to retire had been made earlier in the year, but she waited for an appropriate moment to share the news. When asked about the reaction to her announcement, Nordqvist noted that most media coverage this season has centered on the Solheim Cup rather than her personal milestones, which she appreciated. "It was important for me to have a private moment to process this with my loved ones," she said, emphasizing that the early‑year decision allowed her to enjoy her final major appearances—such as the Evian Championship and the AIG Women’s Open—without the added pressure of retirement speculation.
Travel woes added drama to the start of her final week. Nordqvist recounted a harrowing 22‑hour journey from Canada to Boston, including cancelled flights and a sleepless night on the floor of Toronto’s airport. She feared missing the retirement dinner with her team, but the tournament commissioner granted her an exemption from the mandatory player meeting, allowing her to join the celebration. Looking ahead, Nordqvist’s focus now turns to the Solheim Cup, where she will aim to guide Europe back to the trophy.
Fans can watch the three‑day showdown live on Sky Sports Golf, with coverage from September 11 to 13. For those interested in playing the sport themselves, Sky Sports also offers deals on golf courses across the UK and Ireland, with over 1,700 venues searchable by location.
In summary, Anna Nordqvist’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished era for one of Europe’s most accomplished golfers. Her decision, driven by a desire to prioritize health and family, comes after a career that includes multiple major championships, numerous tour victories, and a legacy of leadership in the Solheim Cup. As she steps away from competition, the golf world will remember her resilience, sportsmanship, and the inspiration she has provided to countless aspiring players worldwide.