Suzann Pettersen, the celebrated Norwegian golfer, is stepping back onto the professional stage for a second time since she first hung up her clubs in 2019. This week she will compete in the Aramco Korea Championship, and insiders suggest this could be the start of a more sustained, albeit limited, comeback rather than a single, isolated event. Pettersen, now 45, originally retired in a dramatic fashion seven years ago when she sank the decisive putt that secured the Solheim Cup victory for Team Europe at Gleneagles. That iconic moment marked the end of an illustrious playing career that included two major championships and countless top‑tier finishes.
After that emotional triumph, she announced her retirement on the spot, choosing to leave the game while still at the pinnacle of performance. Since stepping away, Pettersen has not completely disconnected from competitive golf.
In 2022 she appeared in the Aramco Team Series tournament in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, giving fans a brief glimpse of her enduring skill set. Now, with her children growing older and her schedule becoming more flexible, she has decided to test the waters again, this time in Asia, by entering the Aramco Korea Championship.
The decision reflects both a love for the sport and a practical desire to stay physically active. In a recent interview, Pettersen explained her motivation: "Obviously, I've been playing and practising quite a bit at home. Nothing close to playing competitions.
I'm curious just to see where my game is at. Coming here to Korea feels quite a long way to come to test your game, but I might as well just get the gloves off.
I have nothing to prove to myself. I'm just doing this because I love the game." Her words convey a relaxed, almost exploratory attitude—she is not chasing rankings or prize money, but simply measuring her current level against the demands of a professional field. Pettersen also addressed the question of how extensive her return might be.
She is eligible for the Legends of the LPGA and will soon qualify for the women's senior major championships, a new arena that could offer her competitive opportunities tailored to her age and experience. "I'm not going to come back and play a full schedule ever. That's being very honest," she said.
"I could ideally see myself playing five or six events a year. I want keep the game going in my body, so I don't have to pick it up in another three years, and then it's going to be even harder.
The clubs are the same. I have the same irons. I haven't changed much since last time I hit a professional golf shot, so we'll see how this goes." Her candid admission that she might only contest a handful of tournaments each season underscores a realistic approach to longevity in sport. Rather than attempting a full‑time return, she hopes to maintain a baseline of competitive fitness, preventing the inevitable decline that can accompany long periods of inactivity.
This strategy mirrors the way many athletes in other disciplines manage their later careers—by selecting events that fit their lifestyle and physical capacity while still providing the thrill of competition. Pettersen also acknowledged the curiosity of her peers: "I think [the players] are all thinking 'what the heck are you doing?'" The comment hints at the surprise within the tour community, where a former major champion reappearing after a multi‑year hiatus is a rare occurrence. Nonetheless, her presence adds an intriguing storyline to the tournament, especially as she will be paired with rising talents Alexandra Försterling and Emily Kristine Pedersen in the opening round at New Korea Country Club.
Beyond her personal playing ambitions, Pettersen has contributed to the sport in a leadership capacity. Since retiring as a player, she has captained the European Solheim Cup team twice. In 2023, under her guidance, Europe secured a dramatic 14‑14 tie in Spain, retaining the cup. The following year, however, the United States edged out Europe with a 15½‑12½ victory on American soil.
These captaincy roles have kept her intimately involved with the competitive environment and have allowed her to mentor younger players, further cementing her legacy within women's golf. The Aramco Korea Championship itself is part of the growing global expansion of women's professional golf, attracting top talent from around the world and offering substantial prize money and media coverage. Fans can watch the tournament live on Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports+ starting at 5:30 a.m. Thursday, with additional coverage on Sky Sports Golf from 8 a.m.
The event also streams via NOW, ensuring a wide audience can follow Pettersen's performance. In summary, Suzann Pettersen's return to the course is driven by a genuine love for the game and a practical desire to stay active rather than by a quest for titles or rankings. While she does not plan to re‑enter a full tour schedule, she envisions a modest calendar of five or six events per year, balancing competition with personal commitments. Her participation adds depth to the field, offers a nostalgic touch for long‑time fans, and provides a compelling narrative about the evolving nature of athletic careers.
Whether this marks the beginning of a brief cameo or the start of a more regular senior‑tour presence, Pettersen's comeback underscores the timeless appeal of golf and the enduring passion that keeps champions returning to the fairways.