Anna Nordqvist opens up on retirement and Solheim Cup captaincy in new 'Her Game' podcast

The 2026 European Solheim Cup captain opens up to GolfMagic about retirement, family, captain's picks and preparing to lead Team Europe.

Andy Roberts

05 Sep 2026

The Solheim Cup is almost here – and GolfMagic's latest episode of Her Game couldn't have arrived at a better time.

With just days to go until one of the biggest weeks in women's golf, European captain Anna Nordqvist has sat down with GolfMagic presenter Georgina Black for a candid and revealing conversation about retirement, life on tour and the enormous task of leading Team Europe.

Episode five of Her Game captures Nordqvist at a remarkable moment in her career. Just days after announcing her retirement from professional golf aged 39, the three-time major champion and nine-time Solheim Cup player is preparing to embark on an entirely new chapter as captain of Team Europe.

From the emotion of walking away from the game to the pressure of making captain's picks, Nordqvist opens up about the realities of professional golf and what she hopes to bring to her players at the 2026 Solheim Cup at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from 11-13 September.

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is Nordqvist's openness about why she feels now is the right time to step away from competitive golf. Having spent the majority of her adult life travelling the world and competing at the highest level, she speaks honestly about the sacrifices required and her desire to give herself the opportunity to focus on life away from the tour and potentially start a family.

Nordqvist also provides a fascinating insight into her approach as captain. Having played under numerous different leaders during her nine appearances, she says she is determined to remain true to herself, with preparation and creating the right environment for her players at the heart of her philosophy.

The conversation also explores the emotional challenge of captain's picks. Nordqvist reveals just how much thought and energy went into selecting her team, explaining that she wanted to give every player in contention the opportunity to keep believing in their Solheim Cup dream for as long as possible.

For Nordqvist, however, the Solheim Cup has always represented something bigger than simply winning and losing.

She describes the event as a "family affair", recalling the unforgettable experiences she has shared with her brothers, nieces and nephews over the years. From her family's colourful outfits in the crowds to taking her young relatives inside the ropes, Nordqvist says those moments will ultimately mean more to her than trophies or individual achievements.

As she prepares to lead Europe into one of golf's biggest weeks, Nordqvist's definition of success is equally refreshing. Of course, she wants to win, but her biggest hope is to create an unforgettable experience for her players, particularly the rookies, and ensure everyone leaves wanting to be part of the Solheim Cup again.

It's an honest, emotional and fascinating conversation with a true European golf great at the beginning of a brand-new chapter.

Watch our full interview here:

Loading this video will expose you to potential cookies and tracking by the provider

Subscribe to Her Game and follow along with the latest episodes.

And if there's someone you'd love to hear from on a future episode, let us know.

You can also listen to our new Her Game podcast wherever you get your podcasts: