It has been almost a year since Anna Nordqvist came into focus for her role as ambassador for the state oil company Saudi Aramco's competitions on the Ladies' European Tour.

Criticism came from several quarters against what was seen as a typical example of "sportswashing", given Saudi Arabia's major shortcomings in terms of human rights.

- It is clear that I can understand much of the criticism.

I don't support the regime and everything that happens in Saudi Arabia, but when I stepped into this role and that project, it was with a view to helping women's golf grow and I wanted to be a role model for others, says Nordqvist now in a big interview with TT.

- I wasn't really prepared to receive so much hate and mean comments, from people who don't know me.

That I have been questioned for what I stand for and who I am as a person.

"Think about my well-being"

Now she chooses to put an end to her time as an ambassador for Aramco's project in women's golf.

- It hasn't really turned out the way I thought it would and this is something I've been thinking about for a very long time.

I have to think about my well-being and I haven't been feeling well.

For me, this was never about money, but I wanted to do something for women's golf and especially for the women's European Tour, which I have been a member of every year since 2009.

Going to play in Saudi Arabia

Despite everything, Nordqvist is looking forward to the European Tour next week, in Saudi Arabia and one of the competitions she was previously an ambassador for.

- Yes I do.

I need to get in four competitions on the European Tour before August, because my big goal is to play the Solheim Cup.

It's a competition that fits into the schedule, we haven't been spoiled with a lot of competitions at the beginning of the year.

TT: Skipping it was never considered?

- No, now we are in the middle of February and I have only played one competition this year.

If I want to have a chance to get into the Solheim Cup team, I need to get started early in the year.

TT: Where do you draw the line for where it's okay to compete?

- It is a difficult question to answer.

But I feel it's important to play all over the world, that we can influence younger generations to dream big.

If young girls who grow up somewhere, wherever it is, can see a golf competition and that there is an opportunity, says Nordqvist, who is looking forward to an eventful year.