‘I became the intermediary, sometimes players came…

We had the opportunity to speak with Nordqvist during the Aramco Team Series London at the Centurion Club about the Solheim Cup and her role as assistant captain.

It’s no secret that you’ve been going through a rough patch. How are you doing?

The last year and a half has been really tough and maybe too much for me to handle. Although I’m doing a lot better than I was before, it’s taken a huge toll on me and I’m really mentally drained. They say time heals a lot, but it’s a matter of trying to compete again, trying to rebuild my life on and off the court. I guess I just have to accept that it’s going to take me a little bit longer. There are days when I’m laughing and there are days when I’m really overwhelmed, but overall I just feel really drained.

Last year you were the first playing assistant captain in the history of the Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin in Spain. Tell us about that experience.

As a player, you’re lucky enough to turn up the Sunday before, all your kits are ready and everything is set up, but it’s such a long process to get there. I’ve seen now how much hard work goes on behind the scenes, especially from Suzann, in the meetings and how much thought and detail goes into every aspect. I didn’t play on Friday afternoon so I had the radio to hear what was going on and again, as a player, there are so many things you don’t realise. I dream of being Solheim Cup captain myself one day, so it’s a cool way to learn.

How difficult was it to have a dual role and shift your focus?

It was a good role to have because I became the middleman between the players and the captains – I understood both sides. A lot of players came to me first, sometimes it’s hard to discuss something with the captain in the first place. This was nice because they felt comfortable with me while I was playing, I’m still there.

For me, because I was at that point in my life, and there was a lot of stuff going on off the course, it was a bit difficult to play that role, but because I was already part of the preparation, I stepped back that week to focus on being a player. I found I couldn’t handle the adrenaline. On the course, it was very reminiscent of the stress hormones and everything, so it was really difficult. I broke down in the captain’s meeting on Saturday night. I had played 36 holes, I had played really well, we had both played well, but walked away with zero points. I was quite upset, but I managed to pull it together for the singles.

What did you learn from your role as captain last year, what will you take with you to this year’s competition?

It was a bit tricky with some practical logistical issues in Spain last year which made it a bit harder to keep things running smoothly, so Suzann, Caroline, Laura and I had to learn how to work best as a group. With the Solheim Cups almost a year apart, the European team hasn’t changed that much, so we’ll embrace what we had, look at what was successful and build on that. This is a plus as we’ll go into the competition feeling pretty well prepared.

What can players and fans expect from the Robert Trent Jones course and the US team?

It’s a great course. There are some really cool par 3s, lots of water and tree-lined holes. The US side has gone through a transition, the rookies on last year’s team are playing really well and the team will be off to a strong start in September. Having been on a winning team in the US twice, there’s no better feeling and we’ll be as prepared as we can be. I think the competition is sold out so we can expect hundreds of people – the atmosphere will be great.

How does winning a Major compare to being part of a winning Solheim Cup team?

Nothing compares to winning a Major title. It is the greatest achievement for a professional golfer, but many of my career highlights and special memories come from the Solheim Cup because I get to share it with others.

There are probably too many to mention, but what are the most memorable moments in the Solheim Cup for you?

Scoring a hole-in-one on the 17th hole in 2013 at Colorado Golf Club certainly ranks high on my list of accomplishments. Caroline Hedwall and I came from four points down in our foursomes match to beat Jessica Korda and Morgan Pressel 2-1.

Sharing my Solheim Cup experience with family and friends at last year’s competition in Spain was a huge highlight. It was the first time my nieces and nephews came to watch me play. Walking hand in hand to the first tee for my singles match with my 11-year-old nephew, who is now a golfing enthusiast, was truly special. Recently, when I was sitting in my brother’s backyard in Sweden, my nephews begged me to come play golf. We found some clubs and balls and headed to a small mountain to hit through the trees. It’s just fun to see how much they love the game too.

You mention the 1st tee, where singing and chanting has become a hallmark of the Solheim Cup. Are you naturally outgoing, do you embrace the 1st tee?

I used to be very shy, I’m from Sweden! I’m very down to earth, but I don’t need to be heard or seen. When I walk into a room, I don’t expect people to acknowledge me or anything. I like to stay in the background, although I will speak up if I feel like I have something to say. It’s very important to me to be a good teammate and role model. When rookies are competing in the Solheim Cup, I like to take on the role of big sister.

I love the atmosphere on the first tee. When you practice in the winter or when it rains, these are the moments I live for. We don’t have another week like this, when you come out on the tee with everyone screaming.

As an experienced Solheim Cup player, what advice do you have for the newcomers who will be part of the European team this year?

The young players coming through have so much more knowledge – the technology and training is so much better, they are so much further ahead than when we were at the same age. We didn’t really have the answers, we had to figure things out for ourselves. They are a generation that doesn’t ask as many questions or try to learn as much. Everyone is different, you just have to do it your way, play your game and surround yourself with a team that will push you in the direction you want.

You’re clearly a big fan of team events. Would you like to see more mixed-gender events?

I really like team events because it gives you variety. When you play the same format week in week out, it can get quite monotonous. When I played the Aramco Team Series (ATS) tournament at Centurion Club in 2021, it was the start of a good summer and I won the Women’s Open a few weeks later. I don’t think I would have done that if I hadn’t come here and enjoyed playing with a good team in a more fun and relaxed environment. That’s what I like, cheering for your team, you want them to do well and you can support each other. Whether it’s ATS, International Crown or Solheim Cup, it’s a nice mix.

I don’t think we should have too many team events because the ones we have don’t feel that special. It was good to see the Grant Thornton Mixed Invitational at the end of last year and a mixed team event at the next Olympics would be cool.

This is your 16th year on tour. How far has women’s football progressed since you turned professional?

The women’s game is the strongest it’s ever been and it’s exciting to see it finally getting some attention with better TV coverage. Players are hitting deep, they’re good, they’re fearless. I’m 37 and I’m just trying to do my best but you’ve got to turn up and show your game because there’s a lot more consistency. You’re seeing a big change – there’s coaches, physios, everyone’s got a team. More prize money means more opportunities to have people around you so you’re going to get better.