The 2026 Aramco Championship provided an opportunity for European Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist to speak to both Ladies European Tour (LET) and LPGA Tour players early in the season.
In September, the European and U.S. teams will do battle at the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup which is being held at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from 11-13 September.
With just over six months until the prestigious biennial contest, the European captain Nordqvist is looking forward to the months ahead.
“It’s very exciting,” said Nordqvist. “Whether it’s me going out for a walk or being on Tour, there is always something going on each day, which is exciting. Now as we get closer you get the excitement from the players. It’s really a huge team effort to make this happen.
“It’s such a privilege to be in this role and kind of taking all the experience that I got to experience through my years in the Solheim Cup and making it my own with this captaincy.”
The Aramco Championship, which was co-sanctioned by the LET and LPGA Tour, saw a host of Solheim Cup stars and potential players tee it up at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas.
Nordqvist, who received an invite to the tournament, was able to catch up with players and get to know any potential new talent who might be on the team.
The European Solheim Cup captain is still playing on Tour in 2026 and believes this is integral for her to get to know the players as much as possible.
Having played in nine Solheim Cups, Nordqvist will put that experience towards her captaincy as Europe look to win back the Solheim Cup.
“Having this opportunity to be here, there a lot of the girls from the LET or the best on the LET that now also play on the LPGA,” she continued. “Just being around everyone has been beneficial for me in this role. Having those day-to-day interactions with players and the caddies and everyone who potentially can be involved.
“It’s going to be a very exciting qualifying race, so certainly being able to see most of the players tee off in an event together, see how their game compares to each other is obviously very helpful.
“Just not having to basically feel like you’re really putting them on the spot by showing up when they can see me each week. That’s why I said I wanted to do this captaincy when I did because I wanted to do this journey with them and I wanted to feel like I was approachable and just being there and being supportive.
“Having done nine Solheim Cups I understand what they’re going through, the stress of trying to qualify. At the end of the day, I just want them to be themselves and play the best they can. If you play well, you’re going to be on that team. Ultimately weeks like this when we see them all are just very helpful.”
