Anna Nordqvist and Madelene Sagström are both revelling in the start of the European swing at the 2025 KPMG Women’s Irish Open.
The Swedish duo is both teeing it up on the Ladies European Tour (LET) this week at the O’Meara Course at Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel in Ireland.
Nordqvist, who was named 2026 European Solheim Cup captain earlier this year, last played the Irish Open back in 2011 at Killeen Castle.
A few weeks later she would tee it up again at Killeen Castle as part of the winning European side at the 2011 Solheim Cup.
The three-time Major champion was delighted to make a trip to Ireland work in her schedule this year and is excited to see the fans out in force.
“I’ve been trying to make this happen for the last couple of years because Leona [Maguire] is a good friend of mine and I always know how big the crowds are, so I wanted to experience the crowds,” she said.
“Instead of just going and doing it outside of the ropes, so hopefully I get a good pairing this week. I know how much support she has. I haven’t been here since Solheim Cup in 2011, I have a lot of good memories around Killeen Castle and always wanted to come back, so couldn’t think of a better opportunity to make it happen this year.
“This is such a great event and with all the support, the LET has here in Ireland. It’s a great spot in the schedule leading off the European swing before Evian next week, so I think that’s why a lot of the girls could make it happen.
“I played 18 holes, what a great golf course. It was the style I expected and was familiar with from Ireland. It’s a really good atmosphere; it’s a fun golf course. It’s playing a little bit shorter so there should be a lot of birdies. I’m very excited to be here and looking forward to seeing Leona play this week.”
Meanwhile, it will be a special week for Sagström as she kicks off her European swing alongside her caddie Shane Codd, who hails from Ireland.
“It’s my first time in Ireland, we’re off to a good start. It’s a beautiful place, a beautiful golf course. I’m very excited for this week,” said Sagström, who won her second LPGA Tour title earlier this year.
“It’s great. Shane is really happy to be at home, spending most of his time there. I’m going to see his family this week and go to his hometown too and check it out. It’s great to have as much local support as I can get from his side.
“The golf course is nice. It’s very lush and very green, playing on the soft side. It’s going to be a lot of fun; it’s a nice layout and set up. I love those last holes around 14, 15, and 16 – it’s a beautiful golf course.
“I love playing in Europe. I was walking around and thought it reminded me of home because of the grass, the sounds, the smell, the weather – it’s really nice to be able to support at home. You never forget where you came from and it’s nice to come back. It’s a great field this week and the girls were look forward to coming here.
“This is mine and Shane’s fifth season working together, we’ve worked together for a long time. We get along great. He’s been a huge asset to my team especially for the links golf aspect of my game, he’s added tremendous experience and creativity. We have such a good time on the golf course, he’s a nice, genuine guy. It’s been a good partnership.”
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