Anna Nordqvist, the newly appointed captain of Team Europe for the upcoming Solheim Cup, took to her social media platforms this week to reveal 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, confirmed that the September 11‑13 event at Bernardus Golf will be her final appearance as a player on the LPGA Tour, although she will remain at the helm of the European squad for the competition.
Nordqvist’s resume reads like a modern golf history lesson. She has taken part in every Solheim Cup since her debut, appearing in nine editions as a competitor and contributing to five victorious campaigns for Europe. In the two most recent Cups she served as a playing vice‑captain, but she quickly decided that she could not realistically combine the responsibilities of captaincy with the rigors of competing against the United States on Dutch soil. Despite still maintaining a regular presence on the LPGA Tour and posting solid finishes in major championships, she felt the dual role would be too demanding.
At present Nordqvist sits comfortably inside the world’s top‑120 players and is positioned within the top‑75 of the Race to CME Globe points race. Nevertheless, she has announced that she will bring her illustrious playing career to a close before the season’s final events, opting to step away while still performing at a high level. In a joint statement 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 career highlights include a first major triumph at the 2009 LPGA Championship and a second at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open, complemented by nine individual LPGA victories, three wins on the Ladies European Tour, and the honor of representing Sweden at two Olympic Games.
In a heartfelt social‑media letter, Nordqvist reflected on her two‑decade journey: "Twenty years ago I came to 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 went on to acknowledge the personal sacrifices required by a life on tour, noting the distance from family and the many setbacks she endured: "I've fallen so 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 a 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. She added that she looks forward to focusing on her health and future family plans: "I am not sure what the future has in store for me, but it is 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 in this journey and been part of it along the way. It has meant the world to me." The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow players and legends of the game.
Annika Sörenstam, a compatriot and ten‑time major champion, responded with a message praising Nordqvist’s "great career," while current tour members such as Jessica Korda and Auston Kim also sent congratulations. 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 is essentially the last event before the Solheim Cup. I feel I have given my all and been there for them every step of the way," she said.
She also spoke candidly about recent struggles to regain her form: "The last couple of years have been really hard for me, trying to get my game back. I always wanted to finish on my own terms, and I finally have that opportunity." She described feeling a renewed sense of enjoyment on the course this season, which helped solidify her decision: "This year I finally started feeling like myself again inside the ropes, and I wanted to finish my career on a high note, both on and off the course." Looking ahead, Nordqvist emphasized that she is ready to transition to the next chapter of her life.
"I’m 39 and I have dreams of one day having my own family, so I feel there is a time and place for everything. I’m quite content with what I’ve accomplished, and it’s 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 waited until the FM Championship to announce it publicly, allowing her to savor the final tournaments—such as the Evian Championship and the AIG Women’s Open—without the distraction of media speculation. "It was important for me to have that moment for myself and process it with my close ones," she explained. Travel woes added drama to her final week.
Nordqvist recounted a grueling 22‑hour journey from Canada to Boston, including cancelled flights and a sleepless night on the floor of Toronto’s airport. "I was sitting on the airport floor in Toronto crying because I was going to miss my retirement dinner with my team," she said, before the LPGA commissioner granted her an exemption from the player meeting, allowing her to join the celebration. As the Solheim Cup approaches, fans can watch Team Europe’s attempt to reclaim the trophy live on Sky Sports Golf from September 11 to 13.
The tournament promises high‑stakes competition, and Nordqvist’s leadership will be a focal point, even as she steps away from competitive play. For those interested in playing the game themselves, Sky Sports offers streaming options without a contract through NOW, and golfers can book tee times at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland via the platform’s booking tool. Anna Nordqvist’s retirement marks the end of an era for Swedish golf and for the Solheim Cup, but her legacy—built on perseverance, sportsmanship, and a genuine love for the game—will continue to inspire future generations of players.