NAPLES (Fla.) – There’s 65s and then there is Anna Nordqvist 65 at the CME Group Tour Championship. It wasn’t the golf that made it so special, although it was great, but the effort to get there, after a nightmare run off the course.
Nordqvist announced on Instagram in August that she and Kevin McAlpine are divorcing. McAlpine’s father Hamish confirmed last month to the Courier his son died suddenly aged 39. McAlpine caddied for several players on the LPGA, including Lexi Thompson. He first started with her at the 2017 Women’s British Open in Kingsbarns.
Nordqvist said to the media that she was not doing well after her round at Naples. It’s been ups anddowns just fighting.
How to watch: The 2023 CME Group Tour Championship
Nordqvist decided to play in the final two LPGA events in Florida two Sundays before. She had a lesson with her coach the weekend before The Annika, but she could only manage to hit three balls.
Anna Nordqvist grinds
She’s -7 thru 14 at @CMEGroupLPGA pic.twitter.com/Zlqqd3ZAlC
LPGA (@LPGA 16 November 2023
She thought she would faint two days earlier because her head had been spinning so much in practice.
Nordqvist said, “I am very proud that I was able to make it through the four rounds of last week.” It felt good to be teeing up.
Suzann and her husband, the Solheim Cup Captain Suzann Petersen, came to Tiburon Golf Club’s 18th green to show their support. Nordqvist had dinner on Monday with Leona Maguire, her Solheim Cup partner. She is two behind the leaders Running Yin, and Nasa Hasaoka. Nordqvist has been touched by these small gestures.
Maguire said, “Anna is one of the most strong people I know.” “She has been through a great deal and handled it more gracefully than many people.”
Anna Nordqvist, Team Europe, interacts with young golfers at Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Casares on September 20, 2023. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images).
Nordqvist is staying with her old friend, Jason Gilroyed. She has been a guest of the family for many years.
She said that her body had never been the same after she was diagnosed in 2017 with mononucleosis. She is a practicing athlete but has reached her limit, particularly during this difficult emotional time.
She said, “My mind isn’t there. I am definitely mentally exhausted.” “A couple of weeks ago, I believe I missed a putt that was nine feet long by about six inches. When your head isn’t there, it can be difficult. It’s hard to play. “You just don’t recognise yourself.”
