Welcome to the second installment of my Captain's Corner! This season I will be chronicling my experience as the European Solheim Cup Captain, guiding the team from the early preparations all the way 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 opening 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 we have across the continent.
Early-season movements in the Rolex Rankings have been notable. A variety of competitors have demonstrated excellent form, which makes the evolving picture of the Solheim Cup roster all the more intriguing.
With another four majors looming on the horizon and the points on offer increasing dramatically, the battle for qualification spots is set to intensify in the weeks ahead. For the latest updates, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and more, follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp. To enjoy the video content without any playback issues, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
Last week, the PING Europe apparel team joined us at the Chevron Championship for the first potential fitting session for player and caddie attire. This marks the initial step in finalising the wardrobe that will be unveiled in the Netherlands. Over the past three Solheim Cups we have worked closely with PING Europe, and that partnership has streamlined the fitting process considerably.
Their designers are receptive to our feedback, constantly tweaking cuts, fabrics and colour palettes to suit the preferences of both players and their caddies. While the final ensembles will remain a surprise until the teams arrive in the Netherlands, I was given an exclusive preview of the accessories we have selected, the materials we have chosen, and the colour schemes that will dominate the look. There are also a few playful elements we are developing that should add a touch of personality to the overall aesthetic. In parallel, we are finalising the official attire for the gala dinner scheduled for Wednesday of Solheim Cup week, as well as the garments that will be worn during the opening ceremony.
These pieces will be designed in collaboration with a Dutch company, and I am eager to see how the players respond. I can already tell a few of them, including my vice‑captains Mel and Carro, will breathe a sigh of relief that we have decided against a formal dress code for this year’s event. The behind‑the‑scenes work continues unabated. I spend a great deal of time in Zoom meetings with players, caddies and support staff, discussing everything from travel logistics to personal preferences for the uniform.
The conversation about the Solheim Cup has become a constant thread in my daily life; it is rare to speak with anyone without the tournament being mentioned at least once. Balancing my own tour commitments with the responsibilities of captain has been a demanding juggling act. 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 the road with the players gives me a unique perspective and is precisely why I agreed to take on the captaincy at this stage of my career.
It allows me to sit close to the action, observe the competitors from inside the ropes, and build genuine relationships with the athletes. Looking ahead, there is still a lot to do. We will continue to refine the clothing line, confirm final selections for the gala and ceremony, and keep the players informed about any updates. I will also be sharing more insights and behind‑the‑scenes stories in upcoming Captain's Corner entries, so stay tuned for the next installment.
Anna Nordqvist’s column is provided by the Ladies European Tour in advance of the Solheim Cup, which will be broadcast live from September 11‑13 on Sky Sports. Viewers can watch the coverage via a Sky Sports subscription or stream it 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.
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