Anna Nordqvist, the newly appointed captain of Team Europe for the 2026 Solheim Cup, took to social media this week to confirm 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, has decided that this week in Boston will be her final appearance on the LPGA Tour, marking the end of a distinguished playing career that has spanned more than two decades. Nordqvist’s decision comes just as she prepares to lead Europe at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from September 11‑13. She has been a fixture of the Solheim Cup for the past nine editions, first as a player and most recently as a playing vice‑captain in the last two contests.
While she has continued to compete on the LPGA Tour and has remained a regular contender in major championships, she quickly ruled out the possibility of trying to balance the responsibilities of captaincy with competing against the United States in the 2026 event. Despite still being ranked inside the world’s top 120 and holding a spot in the top 75 of the Race to CME Globe standings, Nordqvist announced that she will retire before the conclusion of the LPGA season in order to focus on her health and family. 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, a second major at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open, and a total of nine LPGA Tour wins.
In addition, she has claimed three titles on the Ladies European Tour and has represented Sweden at two Olympic Games. Her contributions to European Solheim Cup success are substantial – she has been part of five winning teams and will now guide the next generation of European players as captain. In a heartfelt letter posted on her social channels, Nordqvist reflected on her journey: “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 quite took me this far, I am very proud of how far I have come and grateful for the life I have been able to live because of this sport. It has not always been easy, especially being far from my family, but they have supported me every step of the way.” She continued, “I have fallen 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 for the people I have met along the way.” Nordqvist admitted that saying goodbye to a sport that has defined her life is difficult, but she feels it is the right moment: “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 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 announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow golfers. Swedish legend Annika Sörenstam, a ten‑time major winner, 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 why she chose this particular 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 final event before the Solheim Cup. I feel I have given my all, been there for the team, and now it’s time to step back.” She added that the past few years have been challenging as she worked to regain her form: “I wanted to finish on my own terms, and this gives me that opportunity. This year I finally felt like myself again on the course, and I wanted to end my career while I was still enjoying the game and feeling good both on and off the course.” Nordqvist also spoke candidly about her personal aspirations.
“I’m 39 and I have dreams of starting my own family, so I feel there is a time and place for everything. I’m content with what I have accomplished, and now it’s time to focus on my family and health.” She confirmed that the decision to retire had been made earlier in the year, but she waited until the end of the season to announce it publicly. When asked how she felt after posting the retirement message, she said, “It’s been a journey for me. Most of the media focus this year has been on the Solheim Cup, not on me.
It was important to have this moment for myself, to process it with my loved ones, and to enjoy the final tournaments—Evian, the AIG Women’s Open, and others—without being bombarded with questions about retirement.” Travel woes added drama to the final week of her career. Nordqvist recounted a harrowing 22‑hour journey from Canada to Boston, including canceled flights and a sleepless night on the floor of Toronto’s airport: “I was crying because I thought I would miss my retirement dinner with the team. The commissioner allowed me to skip the player meeting so I could be with them, and I’m just very grateful for everything this game has given me.” Looking ahead, the Solheim Cup will be contested from September 11‑13 on Sky Sports Golf, with Europe hoping to reclaim the trophy from the United States.
Fans can watch all three days live, stream via NOW, or explore Sky Sports deals for additional coverage. Beyond the tournament, golf enthusiasts can find special offers for rounds at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, making it easy to experience the sport that has shaped Nordqvist’s life. In summary, Anna Nordqvist’s retirement marks the end of an era for one of Europe’s most accomplished golfers.
Her legacy includes major championships, multiple Solheim Cup victories, and a reputation for perseverance and sportsmanship. As she steps away from competition to focus on health and family, she leaves the sport with gratitude, a sense of fulfillment, and a hopeful eye toward the next chapter of her life.