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 still lead Team Europe at the Bernardus Golf venue in the Netherlands from September 11 to 13, but she has decided to end her playing career before the close of the LPGA Tour season. Nordqvist’s résumé reads like a modern golf history textbook.
She has appeared in every Solheim Cup since her debut, participating in nine editions as a player and contributing to five victorious campaigns for Europe. In the two most recent Cups she served as a playing vice‑captain, but she quickly concluded that she could not realistically combine the demanding responsibilities of captaincy with competing against the United States on home soil. Despite still maintaining a regular presence on the LPGA Tour and delivering strong performances in major championships, she opted to focus on her new leadership role. At present, Nordqvist remains inside the world’s top 120 players and is positioned within the top 75 of the Race to CME Globe rankings.
Nevertheless, she confirmed that she will retire from competitive golf at the end of the FM Championship, a decision she described as being made with a “grateful heart.” In a joint post shared by the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour, she wrote, “It’s with a grateful heart I am retiring from playing professional golf in Boston this week.” Her career milestones are impressive. Nordqvist captured her first major title at the 2009 LPGA Championship and added a second major victory at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open. Over the span of her career she has amassed nine LPGA Tour wins, three additional victories on the Ladies European Tour, and has represented Sweden twice at the Olympic Games. In a heartfelt letter posted to her social channels, she reflected on her two‑decade journey: “Twenty years ago I came to the US with two suitcases, a golf bag and a dream of one day competing with the best golfers in the world.” She continued, “While my dreams never quite took me this far, I am very proud of myself for how far I've come and grateful for the dream I've been able to live ever since.
I can't say it has always been easy, especially being so far away from my family, but they have supported me every step of the way.” Nordqvist emphasized the resilience that carried her through setbacks: “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.” In the same statement she admitted the difficulty of saying goodbye to a sport that has defined her adult life: “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 added that the decision was motivated by a desire to prioritize her health and family: “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.” The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow players and legends alike. Swedish great Annika Sörenstam, a ten‑time major champion, responded with a message praising Nordqvist’s “great career.” Other contemporaries, including Jessica Korda and Auston Kim, also sent congratulations and well‑wishes. During a pre‑tournament press conference in Boston, Nordqvist explained why the timing felt right.
She said, “When I accepted the captaincy 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, been there for them, and now it’s time to step back.” She also spoke candidly about the physical challenges she faced in recent years: “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.” Nordqvist highlighted that she entered the 2024 season feeling more like herself again: “This year I finally started feeling like myself again inside the ropes, and I wanted to finish my career on a note where I was enjoying the game, both on and off the course.” She also hinted at personal aspirations beyond golf: “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.” She confirmed that the decision to retire had been made earlier in the year, allowing her to enjoy the final majors—such as the Evian Championship and the AIG Women’s Open—without the pressure of speculation.
When asked how she felt after posting the retirement announcement, she said, “It’s been a journey for me. Most of the media focus this year has been on the Solheim Cup, not on my own future. Having this moment for myself, processing it with loved ones, 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: “I was sitting on the airport floor in Toronto crying because I was going to miss my retirement dinner with my team.” She was eventually granted an exemption from the mandatory player meeting, allowing her to spend the evening with her teammates. Looking ahead, Nordqvist will focus on her captaincy duties as Europe prepares to challenge the United States for the Solheim Cup trophy. Fans can watch the three‑day contest live on Sky Sports Golf from September 11‑13, with additional streaming options available through NOW.
The tournament promises high‑stakes drama as Team Europe seeks to reclaim the cup after a recent loss. Beyond the competition, Nordqvist’s story serves as a reminder of the dedication required to reach the pinnacle of professional sport and the personal sacrifices that accompany such a career. Her decision to retire on her own terms—while still performing at a high level—offers an inspiring example for younger players navigating the balance between ambition, health, and life beyond the fairways.
As the golf world bids farewell to one of its most respected figures, the legacy of Anna Nordqvist will endure through her major victories, her contributions to multiple Solheim Cup triumphs, and the mentorship she now provides to the next generation of European golfers.