Welcome to the second edition 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 competition itself, which will be staged in the Netherlands for the first time from September 7 to 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. A large contingent of European women performed admirably, putting the continent’s talent on display and giving us plenty to be optimistic about.
Early shifts in the Rolex Rankings have already begun to take shape, reflecting the strong form many of our players have shown. With four more majors looming on the horizon and points at stake escalating, the race for Solheim Cup spots is becoming increasingly thrilling.
I expect the leaderboard to continue evolving as the season progresses. For the latest updates, highlights, and in‑depth analysis, follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp. Their platform delivers breaking news, video features, and expert commentary straight to your device.
A quick technical note: for the best viewing experience of any embedded video content, we recommend using the Chrome browser, which offers a more accessible player. Last week, the PING Europe apparel team joined us at The Chevron Championship for the inaugural fitting session for both players and caddies. This marks the first time we have been able to try on the garments that will be worn during the Solheim Cup, and the experience was both exciting and informative.
Our relationship with PING Europe’s clothing division has deepened over the past three Solheim Cups. Their willingness to listen to our feedback and adjust the fit, fabrics, and style details has made the process seamless. They are eager to tailor the wardrobe to the specific needs and preferences of our team, ensuring comfort and performance on the course. While the final outfits will remain a surprise until the teams arrive in the Netherlands, I was given a privileged preview of the accessories we have selected, the material palettes, and the colour schemes we have chosen.
In addition to the standard kits, we have been working on a few fun, unexpected elements that will add a touch of personality to the team’s look. We are also finalising the formal attire for the Gala Dinner, which is scheduled for Wednesday of Solheim Cup week, as well as the ensemble for the Opening Ceremony. Both events will showcase a more refined version of the team’s visual identity, blending elegance with the distinctive European flair. Below are some quick reference points for fans who want to learn more about the upcoming competition: - Solheim Cup 2026: Everything you need to know - Anna Nordqvist appointed captain of Team Europe for 2026 - Recap of how the United States secured victory in the 2024 Solheim Cup - Options for streaming the Solheim Cup without a contract We have partnered with a Dutch design firm to create a unique piece of clothing that I am eager to reveal.
I think the players will appreciate the collaboration, and I can already tell a few of them—including my vice‑captains, Mel and Carro—that we have decided not to introduce a formal dress for this edition, which should be a relief for many. Again, for optimal video playback, please use Chrome. Behind the scenes, the work continues unabated.
I spend a great deal of time in Zoom meetings with players, caddies, and support staff, fine‑tuning logistics, confirming travel arrangements, and discussing outfit preferences. The conversation about the Solheim Cup has become a constant thread in every interaction I have this year; it seems impossible to speak with anyone without the tournament being mentioned at least once.
Balancing my duties as a touring professional with the responsibilities of captaincy has been a demanding juggle. Fortunately, I have received tremendous support from the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA, and my management team, all of whom have helped me navigate this dual role. Being on this journey alongside the players is precisely why I volunteered for the captaincy.
When I am paired with European teammates during practice rounds, I get a front‑row seat to observe their game up close, hear their thoughts, and build genuine relationships. Those moments inside the ropes have been some of the most rewarding of my career. Stay tuned for the next installment of Captain's Corner, where I will share more insights, behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes, and updates on our preparations.
Anna Nordqvist’s column is provided 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 via Sky Sports subscription or stream without a contract. If you are looking to book a round of golf, you can find the best rates at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland.
Simply enter a course name, city, or postcode to search. (If no results appear, try adjusting your search terms.)