In only her fifth start on the LPGA Tour, Nordqvist won her first professional tournament and major, the LPGA Championship in Maryland in June 2009. This led to her selection as a captain's pick for the Solheim Cup. In November, she won the LPGA Tour Championship for her second victory of the season. She was named Rookie of the Year on the Ladies European Tour and finished runner-up to Jiyai Shin for LPGA Rolex Rookie of the Year honors.