- The 2026 Solheim Cup All-Star Challenge brings sporting and entertainment stars together at Bernardus Golf, with a special Q&A featuring Dutch star and European Vice Captain Anne van Dam ahead of the Opening Ceremony.
- Limited tickets for the Solheim Cup are still available at: www.solheimcup2026.golf/tickets/
The Solheim Cup All-Star Challenge will take place at Bernardus Golf on Thursday 10th September at 2pm, bringing together a host of sporting and entertainment personalities for an afternoon of conversation, competition and fun ahead of the 2026 Solheim Cup.
As a fun and energetic taster for the main event, the All-Star Challenge will give fans an early glimpse of the atmosphere and competitive spirit that makes the Solheim Cup so special. The All-Star Challenge will build on the excitement of the week so far, setting the tone ahead for the thrilling competition that will bring world-class players together in a contest full of passion, drama and unforgettable moments.
The All-Star Challenge will begin with a short, entertaining Q&A on the first tee with the competitors, hosted by acclaimed BBC Sport broadcaster Andrew Cotter, and featuring the likes of Dutch darts star Gian van Veen, European golf legend Suzann Pettersen and Dutch golf star Anne van Dam, a former Solheim Cup player who this year, is serving as Team Europe Vice Captain and Captain of the European PING Junior’s side. Together, they will explore the shared experiences of performing at the highest level, including the pressure, nerves, and preparation involved in competing in front of a crowd.
Van Veen and Pettersen will then join a stellar line-up of sporting and entertainment stars to hit shots off the first tee in front of spectators, before taking on a three-hole challenge across Bernardus Golf’s first, sixth and 18th holes. The event will culminate on the 18th where prizes will be awarded to the winning participants. The format will offer fans a fun and fast-paced taste of the excitement to come, while giving the All-Star line-up the chance to experience the atmosphere, challenges and competitive spirit of the Solheim Cup themselves.
The confirmed line-up so far reflects the exciting sporting and entertainment crossovers of the All-Star Challenge, bringing together elite performers from darts, golf, football, cricket, rugby and music. Dutch darts star Gian van Veen, known as The Giant, will bring his precision, composure and the same competitive edge that has brought him to be ranked World No. 3 in the Professional Darts Corporation.
Van Veen will be joined by a strong British sports contingent led by Carly Telford. The former English goalkeeper has earned 28 caps for England and her experience performing on some of football’s biggest stages will add another dimension to insightful conversations around pressure and expectations. Telford is joined by fellow English stars Heather KnightOBE, and former England rugby union international Anthony Watson.
Knight, a former England cricket captain and one of the country’s most decorated players, led England to World Cup victory in 2017 and has previously become the first player, male or female, to score a century in all three formats. Her ability to perform, lead, and make decisive contributions under pressure will translate naturally to the All-Star challenge. Watson, a former England rugby union international, has earned 56 caps for England and was a two-time British and Irish Lion. His appearances in two Rugby World Cups make him a natural addition to the All-Star field.
Norwegian golf star and two-time Solheim Cup captain Suzann Pettersen will bring a Solheim Cup legend’s perspective to the All-Star Challenge. Pettersen boasts two major championship wins, and nine previous Solheim Cup appearances, having famously holed the winning putt in the 2019 Solheim Cup before retiring from competitive golf. Pettersen will offer an unparalleled insight into the event’s unique atmosphere and demands as the stars take on Bernardus.
Completing the line-up is DJ Spoony, a pioneering British DJ and broadcaster. A founding member of the Dreem Teem, he has enjoyed a longstanding career with the BBC and is recognised for his cultural impact and charity work. His energy and entertainment expertise will add a distinctive dimension to the day, both on the tee and around the course.
Together, the line-up promises a memorable and highly entertaining contest, with each star bringing their own personality, competitive spirit, and experience of performing under pressure. The Solheim Cup All-Star Challenge will provide a lively introduction ahead of tournament days, celebrating the competitive spirit that connects golf with sport and entertainment, all while giving fans the opportunity to see well-known names take on a unique challenge at Bernardus Golf.
Tickets are on sale via the Official Solheim Cup Ticketing Page and must be purchased in advance. To receive more information and all the latest news, fans should sign up at: www.solheimcup2026.golf
