Anna Nordqvist, the newly appointed captain of Team Europe for the upcoming Solheim Cup, took to her social media channels 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, has been a fixture of European Solheim Cup teams for two decades, participating in every edition of the event over the past nine cycles and contributing to five victorious campaigns. Nordqvist will lead Europe at the Bernardus Golf course in the Netherlands from September 11 to 13, but she has already ruled out the possibility of serving as a playing captain.
In the last two Solheim Cups she acted as a playing vice‑captain, but she decided that balancing the responsibilities of captaincy with competing against the United States would be too demanding, especially as she continues to play a full schedule on the LPGA Tour and remains a contender in major championships. Despite still being ranked inside the world’s top 120 and sitting within the top 75 of the Race to CME Globe points race, Nordqvist confirmed that she intends to end her distinguished playing career before the conclusion of the LPGA season. In a joint post 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 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 individual LPGA Tour wins, three Ladies European Tour triumphs, and two Olympic appearances representing Sweden.
In a longer letter posted to her social platforms, Nordqvist reflected on her journey: "Twenty years ago I arrived in the United States with two suitcases, a golf bag and a dream of someday competing with the best golfers in the world. While my dreams never quite took me this far, I am extremely proud of how far I have come and grateful for the life the sport has given me. It has not always been easy, especially being far from family, but their support has been unwavering." She continued, "I have fallen many times, but I never gave up; I always got back on my feet. I am forever thankful for everything this game has given me and for the people I have met along the way.
I do not know how to say goodbye to something that means so much to me, but this will be my final week competing on tour." Nordqvist added that she plans to focus on her health and family moving forward, thanking fans, teammates and sponsors for their support throughout her career. The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes. Swedish legend Annika Sörenstam, a ten‑time major champion, responded with a heartfelt message praising Nordqvist’s "great career," while fellow players 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 said I wanted to experience this journey with the girls, and the FM Championship is essentially the last event before the Solheim Cup. I feel I have given my all and been there for the team throughout," she said. She also spoke candidly about the challenges of the past few seasons, noting that regaining her form had been difficult and that she wanted to end her playing days on her own terms, while still enjoying the game. "This year I finally felt like myself again inside the ropes, and I wanted to finish my career on a high note, both on and off the course," she explained.
Looking ahead, Nordqvist expressed excitement about starting a new chapter that includes building a family. "I am 39 and have dreams of having my own family, so there is a time and place for everything. I am content with what I have achieved and it is time to focus on my health and my loved ones," she said.
She also revealed that the decision to retire had been made earlier in the year, but she waited until now to share it publicly. When asked how she felt after posting the announcement, Nordqvist said the timing allowed her to enjoy the remaining majors—Evian, the AIG Women’s Open and others—without the distraction of retirement questions.
"It has been a journey for me," she reflected, "and having that moment for myself, surrounded by close friends and family, has been very important." Travel woes added drama to 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, where she feared missing her retirement dinner with the team. She thanked the tour commissioner for allowing her to skip a player meeting so she could spend that precious time with her teammates.
"I am just very grateful for what this game has given me," she concluded. Fans can now turn their attention to the Solheim Cup itself, where Team Europe will seek to reclaim the trophy from the United States.
All three days of the competition, September 11‑13, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf, with streaming options available via NOW. The event promises high‑stakes drama, national pride and the chance to see Nordqvist’s leadership in action as she guides Europe through what could be a historic victory.