Anna Nordqvist refuses to miss cut in emotional final LPGA event
LPGA, Golf Damen Tour Event: Ford Championship Anna Nordqvist birdies on hole 4 during the LPGA Ford Championship third round at Whirlwind Golf Club, Saturday March 28, 2026, in Chandler, Arizona. Thomas Fernandez / Image of Chandler Arizona United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xThomasxFernandezxPhotographyx ThomasxFernandezx iosphotos403475
LPGA, Golf Damen Tour Event: Ford Championship Anna Nordqvist birdies on hole 4 during the LPGA Ford Championship third round at Whirlwind Golf Club, Saturday March 28, 2026, in Chandler, Arizona. Thomas Fernandez / Image of Chandler Arizona United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xThomasxFernandezxPhotographyx ThomasxFernandezx iosphotos403475
Three-time major winner Anna Nordqvist will step away from professional golf after this week’s FM Championship. After a two-over first round, Nordqvist was staring at a missed cut in her final LPGA event.
On Wednesday, Nordqvist took to Instagram and announced her retirement after 18 long years on the LPGA Tour. The European Solheim Cup team captain, as always, gave her all at TPC Boston.
"I love playing golf and I love this game, so I'm going to try to make the best out of this weekend," Nordqvist said on Golf Channel.
LPGA, Golf Damen Tour Event: Ford Championship Anna Nordqvist reads her putt on hole 1 during the LPGA Ford Championship third round at Whirlwind Golf Club, Saturday March 28, 2026, in Chandler, Arizona. Thomas Fernandez / Image of Chandler Arizona United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xThomasxFernandezxPhotographyx ThomasxFernandezx iosphotos403477
LPGA, Golf Damen Tour Event: Ford Championship Anna Nordqvist reads her putt on hole 1 during the LPGA Ford Championship third round at Whirlwind Golf Club, Saturday March 28, 2026, in Chandler, Arizona. Thomas Fernandez / Image of Chandler Arizona United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xThomasxFernandezxPhotographyx ThomasxFernandezx iosphotos403477
After a two-over-par 74 Friday, Nordqvist faced the cut line at TPC Boston, a cruel bookend to her 18-year career. However, the nine-time LPGA winner has always been a fierce competitor.
On Friday, Nordqvist landed seven birdies to register a four-under 68, putting her safely inside the cutline. It’s clear that the Swede is wrapping up her career while being at the top of her game.
Moreover, the 39-year-old has had to balance her game with Solheim Cup preparation.
"I mean, just been such a crazy last couple weeks," she added, as reported by Sky Sports' Ali Stafford. "You know, ever since the AIG Women's Open and having the Solheim Cup announcements and media days and going back to Sweden for the first time in a year."
The dual demands of competing and captaincy prep have tested her focus this week.
After the FM Championship, Nordqvist will lead Team Europe at the Solheim Cup next month. It will be her tenth appearance at the biennial team competition, and she will hope to reclaim the title from Team USA.
Team USA’s star Nelly Korda was left shocked by Nordqvist’s sudden retirement.
World No.1 reacts to Nordqvist's shock retirement
Like many, world No. 1 Nelly Korda had no idea that Anna Nordqvist would be retiring after this week. Upon knowing, she showed her respect to her longtime rival.
“Yeah, I was shocked,” Korda said in an interview accessed via ASAP Sports. “I did not know that she was going to retire this week. I sent her a text after, congratulating her and wishing her the best of luck in the next chapter of her life.”
Korda debuted on the LPGA Tour in 2017, almost a decade after Nordqvist. They have squared off at four Solheim Cups already and soon will tee up at the fifth.
While Korda will be the marquee player for Team USA to defend their title, Nordqvist will play a different role in leading her team.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar