Anna Nordqvist, the seasoned Solheim Cup captain, took to her social media platforms this week to reveal that she will hang up her professional golf clubs after this weekend’s 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 upcoming Solheim Cup at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from September 11‑13, but she will step away from competitive play at the conclusion of the current LPGA season. Nordqvist’s Solheim Cup résumé is unparalleled.
She has taken part in every edition of the event over the past nine cycles, first as a player and later as a playing vice‑captain in the two most recent contests. Her experience includes five victorious campaigns with Europe, and she has now been entrusted with the captaincy for the 2026 edition.
Despite her deep involvement in the team’s strategy, she quickly ruled out the possibility of combining the captain’s duties with a playing role against the United States, opting instead to focus on her responsibilities as skipper while still competing on the LPGA Tour. Even though she remains inside the world’s top‑120 golfers and sits within the top‑75 of the Race to CME Globe rankings, Nordqvist confirmed that she intends to bring her illustrious playing career to a close before the season ends.
In a joint statement posted by the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour, she wrote, “It is with a grateful heart that I retire from professional golf in Boston this week.” Her professional résumé is impressive: she captured her first major at the 2009 LPGA Championship and added a second major title at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open. Over the years she has amassed nine LPGA Tour victories, three Ladies European Tour wins, and represented Sweden at two Olympic Games. In a heartfelt social‑media letter, Nordqvist reflected on her two‑decade journey, recalling how she arrived in the United States with just two suitcases, a golf bag, and a dream of competing among the world’s elite. She admitted that while her aspirations never quite matched the reality of her career, she is immensely proud of how far she has come and grateful for the opportunities the sport has afforded her.
"My dreams never quite took me this far, but 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," she wrote. "It hasn't always been easy, especially being far from family, but they have supported me every step of the way.
I've 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 the people I have met along the way." She went on to say that saying goodbye to a sport that has defined her life is difficult, but she feels the timing is right.
"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. I am not sure what the future holds, but 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 on this journey—it has meant the world to me." The reaction from the golf community was immediate. Annika Sörenstam, a ten‑time major winner and Nordqvist’s compatriot, responded with a tribute to the "great career" of her fellow Swede. Players such as Jessica Korda and Auston Kim also sent congratulations, underscoring the respect Nordqvist commands across both tours. 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 this is essentially the final 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 added that the past few years have been a struggle to regain her form, and she wanted to finish on her own terms.
"This year I finally felt like myself again inside the ropes, and I wanted to end my career on a high note, both on and off the course." Looking ahead, Nordqvist expressed a desire to start a family and prioritize her well‑being. "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 content with what I've accomplished, and it's time to focus on my family and health," she affirmed.
She also disclosed that travel woes added stress to the start of her final week. A delayed flight from Canada turned into a 22‑hour journey to Boston, and at one point she found herself sitting on the floor of Toronto’s airport, upset about possibly missing her retirement dinner. The LPGA commissioner allowed her to skip a mandatory player meeting so she could spend that evening with her teammates, a gesture she appreciated deeply. When asked how she felt after posting her retirement announcement, Nordqvist emphasized the importance of having a private moment to process the decision with loved ones.
"Most of the media focus this year has been on the Solheim Cup, not on me. It was vital for me to have that personal space to reflect and to enjoy my final appearances at events like the Evian Championship and the AIG Women’s Open without constant questioning." Fans can now turn their attention to the upcoming Solheim Cup, where Europe will seek to reclaim the trophy from the United States. The competition will be aired live on Sky Sports Golf from September 11‑13, with additional streaming options available through NOW. As Nordqvist steps away from the fairways, her legacy as a player, leader, and ambassador for the game remains firmly entrenched in the sport’s history.