Suzann Pettersen, the celebrated Norwegian golfer, is stepping back onto the professional stage for a second comeback since she first hung up her clubs in 2019. This week she will compete in the Aramco Korea Championship, and early indications suggest that this may not be a solitary, one‑time return. Pettersen’s original retirement was dramatic and unforgettable. At the age of 38, she walked away from the sport immediately after sinking the decisive putt that secured Team Europe’s victory in the 2015 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles.
That iconic moment sealed her legacy as a clutch performer and left fans wondering when—or if—she would ever pick up a club again. Fast forward to 2022, when Pettersen made a brief re‑appearance in the Aramco Team Series event in Jeddah. The experience seemed to reignite her love for competition, and now, with her children growing older and demanding less of her time, she finds herself with a more flexible schedule. The 45‑year‑old two‑time major champion has decided to test her game once more, this time on Asian soil, by entering the Aramco Korea Championship.
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 underscore a pure passion for golf rather than a desire for accolades or a full‑time comeback. Pettersen also addressed the practical side of her return, noting that she is eligible for the Legends of the LPGA and will soon qualify for the women’s senior major championships. "I'm not going to come back and play a full schedule ever.
That's being very honest. I could ideally see myself playing five or six events a year," she said. "I want to 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." Pettersen also humorously acknowledged the reactions of her fellow competitors: "I think [the players] are all thinking 'what the heck are you doing?'" This light‑hearted comment reflects both the surprise of the field and her own confidence in simply enjoying the sport she loves. In the opening round at New Korea Country Club, Petterse n will be paired with fellow professionals Alexandra Försterling and Emily Kristine Pedersen. The trio will navigate the challenging course together, providing a fresh dynamic for fans and commentators alike.
Since stepping away from regular tour play, Pettersen has remained heavily involved in the Solheim Cup, this time as a captain. She led Europe to a dramatic 14‑14 tie in Spain in 2023, a result that allowed the team to retain the trophy. The following year, however, the United States reclaimed the cup with a 15½‑12½ victory on American soil. Her leadership experience adds another layer to her return, demonstrating that her understanding of the game extends beyond personal performance to strategic team management.
For viewers eager to follow her progress, the Aramco Korea Championship will be broadcast 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. Those without a traditional cable subscription can also stream the event via NOW, ensuring that fans worldwide can watch Pettersen’s latest chapter unfold. Pettersen’s decision to re‑enter competition on a limited basis raises interesting questions about the future of senior women’s golf.
As the Legends of the LPGA continues to grow, players like Pettersen—who possess a wealth of experience and a still‑sharp skill set—could become marquee attractions for senior events, helping to elevate the profile of the circuit. Moreover, her approach highlights a broader trend among athletes who, after stepping away for family or personal reasons, find a renewed sense of purpose in part‑time competition. By limiting her schedule to a handful of tournaments each year, Pettersen aims to maintain her physical health, avoid the wear and tear that comes with a full tour itinerary, and keep her connection to the sport alive without sacrificing the balance she now enjoys at home. In summary, Suzann Pettersen’s participation in the Aramco Korea Championship marks more than a nostalgic cameo; it signals a carefully considered, passion‑driven re‑engagement with professional golf.
While she has no intention of committing to a full season, her presence on the course will undoubtedly inspire both longtime fans and younger players. Whether she competes in five events or just this one, Pettersen’s love for the game shines through, reminding everyone that the spirit of competition can endure well beyond the traditional prime years of an athlete’s career.