Former world number one Suzann Pettersen is set to return to professional golf, starting with a appearance at this week’s Aramco Korea Championship. The 45-year-old Norwegian originally retired from the LPGA Tour in 2019, immediately following her iconic winning putt for Team Europe at the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles.
This will mark Pettersen’s second return to competitive play since her initial retirement. She previously participated in the Aramco Team Series in Jeddah in 2022. With her children now older, Pettersen indicated she has more availability to dedicate to the sport, though she does not intend to resume a full season schedule.
“I’m not going to come back and play a full schedule ever. That’s being very honest,” Pettersen said. “I could ideally see myself playing five or six events a year.” She added that she wants to maintain her fitness level so that returning to competition does not become increasingly difficult in the future.
The two-time major champion, who was the first player to win the Evian Championship after it was elevated to major status in 2013, noted that she has been practicing extensively at home but is eager to test her game in a tournament setting. “I have nothing to prove to myself. I’m just doing this because I love the game,” she explained.
Pettersen will compete alongside Alexandra Försterling and Emily Kristine Pedersen in the opening round at New Korea Country Club. She jokingly admitted that her peers are likely confused by her decision, noting, “I think [the players] are all thinking ‘what the heck are you doing?’
She also revealed she has kept much of her original equipment, stating, “The clubs are the same. I have the same irons. I haven’t changed much since last time I hit a professional golf shot.” Although she is eligible for the Legends of the LPGA and upcoming women’s senior major championships, Pettersen chose to continue competing in the main tour events.
Since hanging up her clubs as a player, Pettersen has served as captain for Team Europe in two Solheim Cup campaigns, overseeing a 14-14 draw in Spain in 2023 and a 15½-12½ loss in the United States in 2024.
The Aramco Korea Championship will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports+, with coverage beginning at 5:30 am Thursday, followed by Sky Sports Golf starting at 8 am.
Five or six events sounds like a dream schedule for anyone watching golf professionally. Good luck, Suzann!
The Solheim Cup captaincy was intense! It’s nice to see her back out there for herself, not just as a leader.
So she’s skipping the Legends tour? I get it, but I wonder if the younger players are actually worried about beating her.
I thought she was done for good after her first retirement. Who knew she still had it in her? Exciting news for the fans!
Really curious how her swing holds up after all this time. Five or six events is a smart, sustainable approach for a comeback.
At 45, competing again? That is impressive dedication and love for the game. I hope she enjoys every moment.