Nelly Korda reacts to Anna Nordqvist’s sudden retirement from professional golf
Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire, xThomasxFernandezxPhotographyx ThomasxFernandezx iosphotos403475 - IMAGO
Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire, xThomasxFernandezxPhotographyx ThomasxFernandezx iosphotos403475 - IMAGO
The LPGA Tour lost one of its fiercest competitors this week. Three-time major champion Anna Nordqvist’s sudden retirement left the golfing world in shock, and it reacted swiftly to the news.
On Wednesday, Nordqvist took to Instagram and announced that she would be stepping aside after this week’s FM Championship. World No. 1 Nelly Korda did not waste any time to congratulate her.
“Yeah, I was shocked,” Korda admitted. “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.”
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 26: LPGA, Golf Damen golfer Nelly Korda plays her tee shot on the 9th hole during the first round of the LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass on March 26, 2026, at the Cattail Course at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 26 LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2603261
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 26: LPGA, Golf Damen golfer Nelly Korda plays her tee shot on the 9th hole during the first round of the LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass on March 26, 2026, at the Cattail Course at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 26 LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2603261
Nordqvist posted a farewell video and then a letter on her account, showcasing her gratitude towards the game. She exits at her peak, still competing at the highest level, a rare luxury in professional sports.
18 years, nine LPGA titles, including three majors, most recently the 2017 Evian Championship, define the Swede's legacy.
“She’s a very passionate player and so much fun to watch,” Korda said, according to Motorcycle Sports' report. “This is my tenth year out here, so I’ve gotten to experience playing with Anna and seeing her passion."
Korda and Nordqvist will go face-to-face at the Solheim Cup next month. The 39-year-old will lead Team Europe in the Netherlands.
Nordqvist made her thoughts known about the sudden retirement.
A deliberate final chapter
Anna Nordqvist decided early in the year that this would be her final season. However, she kept it to herself and enjoyed the closing chapter to the fullest.
“Being able to enjoy Evian and enjoy AIG Women’s Open and all those like last moments, last major, last Evian and stuff, and not getting questions asked about it,” Nordqvist said, as reported by Golf Channel's Marisa Marcellino.
Nordqvist certainly ends her career on a high note. At the FM Championship, the Swede landed seven birdies on Friday to post a 4-under 68 to make the cut.
After her last LPGA event, the veteran will shift her focus to the Solheim Cup, which Team Europe looks to reclaim.
Nordqvist’s 10th Solheim Cup appearance will be her last, and she’ll certainly hope to add to her legacy before she bows out of the competitive scene.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar