Laura Davies reacts to Anna Nordqvist’s shock retirement at 39
GAINESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 10: Team Europe vice captain Laura Davies speaks to the media during the first day of practice for the 2024 Solheim Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club at Gainesville, Virginia. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: SEP 10 LPGA, Golf Damen Solheim Cup EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon240910131
GAINESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 10: Team Europe vice captain Laura Davies speaks to the media during the first day of practice for the 2024 Solheim Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club at Gainesville, Virginia. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: SEP 10 LPGA, Golf Damen Solheim Cup EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon240910131
At 39, three-time major winner Anna Nordqvist shocked the world by walking away from professional golf at the peak of her powers. Like many, four-time major winner and golf legend Dame Laura Davies believes she had years left in her game.
Still playing at the highest level, Nordqvist decided to step aside from professional golf. The Swede’s retirement came across as a surprise to fellow Solheim Cup stalwart.
“I was really surprised because she’s still such a good player,” Davies told Bunkered. “But everyone’s different, you know. Once you get to the point where you don’t want to do it anymore and it’s not fun, you’ve got to give it up.”
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
Nordqvist’s last appearance came at the FM Championship, where she made the cut. She also registered a top-30 finish at the AIG Women’s Open, showcasing that she’s still got it.
Nordqvist won nine LPGA titles, including three majors. Her last major came at the 2017 Evian Championship. The Swede leaves behind a rich legacy as she moves on to a new chapter in her life.
Next, Nordqvist will captain Team Europe at the Solheim Cup in the Netherlands. Four-time Solheim Cup winner Davies does not doubt that the Swede will make a solid captain.
“I think she’ll be great as a captain,” Davies added, as reported by Bunkered's Josh Lees. “I think she’ll be really good. The players absolutely look up to her. She has their full respect, there’s absolutely no question about that.”
Nordqvist will lead the team as Team Europe looks to reclaim the title.
Her longtime rival Nelly Korda was also left shocked by her retirement.
Korda's shock: A rival's perspective
Four-time major winner Nelly Korda couldn’t believe it when she came across Nordqvist’s announcement.
“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.”
A moment of sheer respect from the world No. 1 to the 39-year-old who has become an icon of women’s golf. They’ll face each other at Bernadus next week.
The iconic duo has squared up at four Solheim Cups, and Nordqvist has come out on top, winning three of them.
In their fifth meeting, Nordqvist will play a crucial role in leading her team as the captain, while Korda will be the difference-maker for Team USA in their title defense.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar