It's going to be special

Anna Nordqvist believes she “couldn’t ask for a better place” to defend her AIG Women’s Open title than Muirfield.

One of the most highly regarded links courses in the world, Muirfield will host the AIG Women’s Open for the first time from August 4-7, with Nordqvist aiming to retain her crown.

The Swede claimed her third major title in a dramatic finish to last year’s Championship at Carnoustie and cannot wait to experience another iconic venue.

“I have never played Muirfield, and I’ve never been, so I’m very excited,” said Nordqvist.

“I guess you couldn’t ask for a better place to get to defend the AIG Women’s Open.

“It’s always a highlight of my year no matter where it’s going to be, but playing Muirfield for us is definitely going to be special this year.”

Off the back of her AIGWO victory, Nordqvist has enjoyed a solid 2022 season in the majors.

She was sixth at this year’s US Women’s Open, before finishing T16 at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and T22 at last week’s Evian Championship in France.

What is more, she has now made the cut in her last 14 major starts, dating back to the 2019 AIG Women’s Open at Woburn.

“One of my base goals for this year was to be a little bit more consistent, maybe try to get into contention a little bit more often than I have been,” she added.

“I love competing and what still gets me going after all these years is winning tournaments, but this year I’m trying to be more consistent and working a little more on my weaknesses and trying to make those better."

Nordqvist has been refamiliarising herself with links in recent weeks. She returned to the scene of her 2021 AIG Women's Open victory earlier this month and is now competing in the Trust Golf Women's Scottish Open at Dundonald Links.

"Obviously coming back to Scotland, and I played Carnoustie about two weeks ago, brought back a lot of good memories," she said.

"I'm excited about going to next week as defending champion. It's probably the greatest honour being a European golfer and adding that trophy to my name.

"I'm just enjoying being back in Scotland and playing links golf and soaking it all in. It's two of the most fun weeks all year, this one and the next.

"Just teeing it up as the defending champion, I think that's something that I'm very proud of and no one can take that away from me. I'm going to go in and enjoy it."

Tickets for the AIG Women's Open can be purchased here.