Anna Nordqvist pays emotional tribute to late husband Kevin McAlpine

Three-time major champion Anna Nordqvist has penned an emotional tribute to her ex-husband Kevin McAlpine.

The former Scottish Amateur champion passed away suddenly last week aged just 39.

The cause of his death has not yet been revealed. His father, former Dundee United goalkeeper Hamish McAlpine, told The Courier that he had been unwell but added that he “believed he was on the mend”.

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McAlpine, who caddied for Lexi Thompson, Amy Yang, Martin Laird and others, married Swedish superstar Nordqvist in 2021. However, earlier this year, it was announced that they had separated and were understood to be divorcing at the time of McAlpine’s passing.

Nordqvist withdrew from the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea after learning of McAlpine’s death and immediately flew home to the US.

On Saturday, the 36-year-old broke her silence, taking to social media to pay tribute to her former partner.

“Life is too short to not live it to the full,” she wrote. “Kevin was never driving at 30mph, so please make the best out of the time we get in this world. Always remember the good times and memories.

“I am struggling to find words. A lot of people keep reminding me that I am strong. I say I’m only human. This year has been very hard, devastating and overwhelming.

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“Please continue to show respect for all of us during this really difficult time – we appreciate the love and support and my thoughts and prayers are with Kevin’s family and friends at this heartbreaking time.”

She concluded: “In loving memory of Kevin McAlpine – a husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, dog dad and friend. Rest in peace.”

A number of Nordqvist’s fellow players responded to the post to show their support, including Morgan Pressel, Yani Tseng and Lexi Thompson, with Cristie Kerr replying: “Hold on to your love and light. Everyone chooses their own path. Stay strong for yourself, you deserve it girl.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor