Welcome to the second installment of my Captain's Corner! This season I will be chronicling my experience as the European Solheim Cup captain, from the early preparations right through to the tournament itself, which will be held in the Netherlands for the first time from September 7 to September 13. The golf calendar is already in full swing, and we have just wrapped up the first major of the year, The Chevron Championship in Texas.
European players made a strong impression there, with many of our ladies posting impressive scores and showing the depth of talent that Europe can bring to the Solheim Cup. Early-season shifts in the Rolex Rankings have already begun to reshape the leaderboard. A variety of competitors have displayed solid form, and with four more majors looming on the horizon—each offering even more points—the race to secure a spot on the European team promises to be thrilling. Fans can expect a dynamic, ever‑changing picture of who will earn a place on the final roster as the season progresses.
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Last week, the PING Europe apparel team joined us at The Chevron Championship for the first tentative fitting of uniforms for both players and their caddies. This marks the initial step in what will become a full wardrobe rollout for the Solheim Cup in the Netherlands.
Our partnership with the PING Europe apparel group spans the last three Solheim Cups, which means the fitting process runs like a well‑oiled machine. The designers are receptive to our feedback, constantly tweaking cuts, fabrics and colours to suit the preferences of the team.
Their collaborative approach ensures that the final garments will feel both functional and stylish on the course. While the exact look of the competition outfits will remain a surprise until the teams arrive in the Netherlands, I was given a sneak peek at the accessories we have selected, the materials we have chosen, and the colour palette that will dominate the kit.
In addition to the standard shirts, trousers and jackets, we have incorporated a few playful touches—custom‑embroidered logos, subtle pattern inserts, and even a limited‑edition hat that reflects Dutch design heritage. These details are intended to give the players and caddies a sense of unity while still allowing individual expression. We are also finalising the formal attire for the Gala Dinner, which takes place on Wednesday of Solheim Cup week, as well as the ensemble for the Opening Ceremony.
Both events will feature a more polished look, with elegant dresses for the women and tailored jackets for the men, all designed in partnership with a Dutch fashion house. This collaboration adds a local flavour to the event and underscores our commitment to showcasing the host nation’s design talent.
A quick reminder of the broader context: the 2026 Solheim Cup is fast approaching, and many fans are already searching for essential information—how to stream the matches without a contract, the story of how the United States captured the 2024 edition, and the excitement surrounding my appointment as Europe’s captain for 2026. In addition to the apparel work, we are coordinating with a Dutch supplier to produce a special line of merchandise that will be available to fans at the venue.
I am particularly pleased to tell my vice‑captains, Mel and Carro, that we have decided not to introduce a formal dress for this year’s event, a decision that has already brought a sigh of relief to several players who prefer a more relaxed dress code. Behind the scenes, the preparation continues at a rapid pace. I spend a great deal of time on Zoom calls with players, caddies and support staff, discussing everything from travel logistics to practice schedules.
The pandemic has made virtual meetings an indispensable tool, and I now rely on Zoom more than any other app for day‑to‑day coordination. The buzz around the Solheim Cup is palpable. It is rare for me to have a conversation without someone mentioning the tournament or asking for an update.
Balancing my duties as a touring professional with the responsibilities of captain has been a juggling act, but I am fortunate to have the unwavering support of the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA, and my management team. Their assistance has been crucial in navigating this dual role and ensuring that I can give both my playing career and captaincy the attention they deserve. One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey is the opportunity to travel alongside the players. Being paired with the European contingent gives me a front‑row seat to watch them compete, to experience the tournament atmosphere from inside the ropes, and to build personal connections that go beyond the scoreboard.
These interactions reinforce why I volunteered for the captaincy in the first place. Stay tuned for the next edition of Captain's Corner, where I will share more insights about team selection, training camps, and the final preparations leading up to the big week in September.
This column was supplied by the Ladies European Tour ahead of the Solheim Cup, which will be broadcast live from September 11‑13 on Sky Sports. You can watch the action by subscribing to Sky Sports or by streaming the coverage without a contract. If you’re looking to play a round of golf yourself, you can find the best rates and book a tee time at any of the 1,700 courses across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Simply enter a course name, city or postcode to start your search.
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