Anna Nordqvist: Team Europe's Solheim Cup captain announces shock mid-season retirement from playing professional golf
Three-time major winner and nine-time Solheim Cup player Anna Nordqvist will retire from playing professional golf at the FM Championship, ending her 18-year professional career; Nordqvist will captain Team Europe at the Solheim Cup from September 11-13, live on Sky Sports Golf
Wednesday 26 August 2026 14:56, UK
Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist has announced via social media that she will retire from playing professional golf after this week's FM Championship, live on Sky Sports.
The three-time major winner will captain Team Europe at Bernardus Golf from September 11-13, having featured in each of the previous nine Solheim Cups as a player and been part of five winning teams.
Nordqvist has been a playing vice-captain in the last two contests but quickly ruled herself out of juggling captaincy with playing against Team USA in the Netherlands, despite still regularly featuring on the LPGA Tour and impressing in the majors.
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The 39-year-old remains inside the world's top 120 and sits in the top 75 on the Race to CME Globe standings, although has now confirmed her intention to call time on her glittering playing career before the end of the LPGA Tour season.
In a post shared by the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour, Nordqvist said: "It's with a grateful heart I am retiring from playing professional golf in Boston this week."
Nordqvist won her maiden major in 2009 and last at the 2021 AIG Women's Open, among nine LPGA Tour titles during a career that saw her claim three additional Ladies European Tour victories and represent Sweden twice in the Olympics.
In a letter posted on social media, Nordqvist added: "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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this journey and been part of it along the way. It has meant the world to me."
Compatriot Annika Sorenstam - a 10-time major winner - replied to Nordqvist's post to pay tribute to a "great career", with Jessica Korda and Auston Kim among the others to send congratulations after her retirement announcement.
Who will win the Solheim Cup? Watch Team Europe's bid to regain the trophy exclusively live on Sky Sports, with all three days live from September 11-13 on Sky Sports Golf. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.
