The biggest and best event in women’s golf returns this week as the Solheim Cup heads to the Netherlands for the first time in history.
Following a nail-biting finish last time out in Virginia – one which saw the American side reclaim the famous trophy with a 15.5-12.5 home victory – this year the cream of the crop from Europe and the United States will go head-to-head at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt just outside Den Bosch.
The 2026 Solheim Cup takes place between September 11-13 with this year’s edition marking the 20th staging of the biennial competition.
The Championship course at Bernardus Golf, designed by acclaimed golf course architect Kyle Phillips, is described as a heathland course with a compact layout, tricky water hazards, an architecturally stunning clubhouse and world-class practice facilities. Located in the south of the Netherlands, Bernardus Golf holds pedigree having previously staged three Dutch Opens on the DP World Tour.
Nine-time Solheim Cup appearance maker Anna Nordqvist will be at the helm for Team Europe as the Swede looks to win back the cup on European soil. Fellow Major winner Angela Stanford will captain the US side having previously served as vice-captain on three occasions.
Returning as vice-captain for Nordqvist’s team is Englishwoman Mel Reid plus compatriot Caroline Hedwall and Dutchwoman Anne van Dam – three figures who each hold an immense, deep passion for the Solheim Cup. The latter, a five-time Ladies European Tour (LET) winner, will also serve as captain of the European PING Junior Solheim Cup side which takes place several days prior to the marquee competition on the very same course.
Over in the red, white and blue corner, US captain Stanford has selected Kristy McPherson, Paula Creamerand five-time Solheim Cup player Brittany Lang as her vice-captains to complete the leadership line-up.
The teams were decided over the last few weeks with England’s Charley Hull and Germany’s Esther Henseleit qualifying through LET Solheim Cup Points, as well as England’s Lottie Woad, Swedish duo Maja Stark and Linn Grant, France’s Céline Boutier, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen through the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.
Captain Nordqvist then announced her picks live on Sky Sports with Ireland’s Leona Maguire joined by rookies Julia López Ramirez of Spain, France’s Nastasia Nadaud and England’s Mimi Rhodes.
On the U.S. side, Nelly Korda, Angel Yin, Jennifer Kupcho, Yealimi Noh, Auston Kim, Lauren Coughlin and Allisen Corpuz all qualified through the U.S. Solheim Cup points standings. Meanwhile, Andrea Lee and Alison Lee clinched via the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, and Lindy Duncan, Megan Khang, and Rose Zhang were the captain’s picks.
As with previous editions, this year’s Solheim Cup in the Netherlands will take place over three days with 24 matches in total. On the first and second days, eight pairs of matches will be held, split between foursomes and fourballs, with 12 singles matches competed on Sunday to determine the winner of the 20th Solheim Cup.
On top of looking to reclaim the Solheim Cup following 2024’s defeat in Viriginia, Team Europe will also be seeking to reduce to overall deficit of the series with the United States currently leading 11 to 7 (including one tie) since the competition’s inception in 1990.
For further information about the tournament follow @SolheimCupEuro and @TheSolheimCup on socials.
