Anna Nordqvist, the current captain of Team Europe for the 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 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 taken part 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 two most recent contests, she quickly ruled out the possibility of juggling the responsibilities of captaincy while still competing against the United States in the upcoming event. She continues to make regular appearances on the LPGA Tour and remains a competitive force in the majors, currently positioned inside the world’s top‑120 and within the top‑75 of the Race to CME Globe leaderboard. Nevertheless, she has confirmed that she will bring her distinguished playing career to a close 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 reflected on a career that began in 2009 when she captured her first major title, and most recently in 2021 when she triumphed at the AIG Women’s Open. Over the years she amassed nine LPGA Tour victories, added three Ladies European Tour wins, and represented Sweden at two Olympic Games. She continued her farewell note with a personal recollection: "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 journey I have been able to live.
It hasn’t always been easy, especially being far from family, but they have supported me every step of the way." Nordqvist went on to acknowledge the setbacks she faced, saying, "I have fallen many times, but I never gave up and I stood up each time I fell. I am forever thankful for everything this game has given me and for the people I have met along the way." She admitted that saying goodbye to a sport that has defined her life is difficult: "I don’t know how to say goodbye to something that means so much to me, but this will be my last week walking inside the ropes on tour." Looking ahead, she explained that her decision is driven by a desire to focus on health and family: "I am not sure what the future holds, but with a grateful heart I have decided to retire from professional golf to prioritize my well‑being and my family. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey; it has meant the world to me." The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow golfers.
Ten‑time major winner Annika Sörenstam, a compatriot and legend of the game, praised Nordqvist’s "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 retirement.
"When I accepted the captaincy I wanted to experience 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 them along the way," she said. She added that recent years had 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 this gives me that opportunity." She described feeling rejuvenated on the course this season: "This year I finally felt like myself again inside the ropes, and I wanted to finish my career on a positive note, enjoying the game and being in a good place both on and off the course." At 39, Nordqvist expressed a desire to start a family: "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 it is time to focus on family and health." Nordqvist confirmed that she had made the retirement decision earlier in the year, but chose this moment to share it publicly. When asked how she felt after posting the announcement, she reflected, "It has been a journey for me.
Most media interviews this year have centered on the Solheim Cup, not on me personally. It was important to have a moment for myself, to process it with loved ones who already knew my plans." She appreciated being able to enjoy her final majors without constant speculation: "I was able to enjoy Evian, the AIG Women’s Open and other last‑minute events without being asked about retirement. That has been a blessing." Travel woes added drama to her final week. Nordqvist recounted a harrowing 22‑hour journey from Canada to Boston due to cancelled and delayed flights, even describing a moment when she sat on the floor of Toronto’s airport, crying, fearing she would miss her retirement dinner with the team.
The tournament commissioner allowed her to skip a player meeting so she could join the celebration. Looking ahead, fans can tune in to Sky Sports for live coverage of the Solheim Cup from September 11‑13, as Team Europe seeks to reclaim the trophy.
The event will be streamed on Sky Sports Golf and available through NOW with no‑contract options. Additionally, golf enthusiasts can find discounted rates for rounds at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland via the platform’s booking service.