One of the greatest players in Solheim Cup history is now set to take on lead captain duties for Team Europe. Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist, who has as much experience as anyone in Solheim Cup history, will hold the top job for the Europeans at next year’s Cup.
The 37-year-old has been a playing vice captain the last two Cups, serving as an important intermediary between Suzann Pettersen and her team. Nordqvist was a player on both those squads mostly because she was absolutely needed, and she has maintained a high level of play throughout. Nordqvist snagged two points in Europe’s 2024 defeat and another point during their rousing comeback at the 2023 Cup in Spain.
That all followed seven appearances as a player, dating back to 2009. In total, she’s accumulated the second-most points in Team Europe history, behind only Laura Davies. She won her third major championship in 2021, and intends to play a full LPGA schedule this season.
Nordqvist offered typical excitement for the position in a press release Monday morning, but saved her more meaningful thoughts for a couple news outlets. Why was that? Well, the last few years have been awfully difficult for her.
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Nordqvist has battled anxiety and tragedy in recent years. While in the process of divorcing her husband, Kevin McAlpine, in 2023, McAlpine suddenly died, at just 39 years old. Nordqvist told GolfWeek it was like her life shattered ‘into a thousand pieces.’ She also dealt with health scares, particularly when doctors found a benign cyst and tumor in her stomach in 2024.
Speaking with Swedish news agency TT, Nordqvist said she is now feeling good, “but it has taken a very long time to get here and it has been a tough journey.”
She will no doubt have plenty of support as Team Europe’s leader. The management of Europe’s Solheim Cup team has maintained close ties with past European legends like Catriona Matthew and Laura Davies serving extended roles in the team room. Even Caroline Martens has served as a vice captain multiple times, adding to Europe’s consistency in its leadership.
Chief among those in senior leadership was Nordqvist’s fellow countrywoman Pettersen, who maintains a very close relationship with the incoming captain, and will no doubt aid her as the Cup approaches on the calendar.
The 2026 event is scheduled for September 11-13 at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, Netherlands.
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