Welcome to the second edition of my Captain's Corner! This season I will be documenting 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 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 kind of form that could prove decisive as the Solheim Cup approaches. Early in the season the Rolex Rankings have already begun to shift. A variety of competitors have demonstrated solid play, which makes the task of shaping the final team even more intriguing. With another four majors looming on the horizon—each offering a larger haul of points—the battle for qualification will intensify, and we will be watching the leaderboard closely to see who cements a place on the European squad.
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Last week, the PING Europe apparel team joined us at The Chevron Championship for what could be the first trial fitting of uniforms for both players and their caddies. This marks an important step in ensuring that everyone who represents Europe will look cohesive and feel comfortable on the course.
Our partnership with PING Europe’s clothing division has now spanned three Solheim Cups. Over that time we have refined the collaboration, making the fitting process smooth and responsive. The team is eager to receive feedback, and they have been proactive about adjusting cuts, fabrics and styling details to suit the preferences of our athletes and support staff. While the final outfits will remain a surprise until the teams arrive in the Netherlands, I was given a sneak peek of the accessories we have selected, the materials we have chosen, and the colour palette that will dominate the wardrobe.
In addition to the standard jackets and polos, we have designed a range of subtle yet functional items—such as moisture‑wicking sleeves, insulated caps for cooler mornings, and custom‑embroidered scarves that incorporate both the Solheim Cup logo and the national flags of the participating countries. There are also a few playful elements we are keeping under wraps for now, intended to add a touch of personality to the otherwise sleek look. We are currently finalising the attire for the Gala Dinner, which will be held on Wednesday of Solheim Cup week, as well as the garments that will be worn during the Opening Ceremony. Both events call for a more formal aesthetic, so we are working with a Dutch design firm to create elegant ensembles that honour the tournament’s heritage while showcasing contemporary European style.
A few quick reference points for fans: - Solheim Cup 2026: everything you need to know about venues, dates and ticketing. - Anna Nordqvist will captain Team Europe in 2026. - A recap of how the United States secured victory in the 2024 Solheim Cup.
- Options for streaming the Solheim Cup without a long‑term contract. One of the highlights of the uniform project is that we have decided not to introduce a dress for the female players this year, a decision that has brought a sigh of relief to several team members, including my vice‑captains, Mel and Carro.
Instead, we are focusing on performance‑driven apparel that offers freedom of movement and climate control. Behind the scenes, the work continues with ongoing conversations with players, caddies and the broader support crew. Video conferencing tools—particularly Zoom—have become indispensable for coordinating schedules, sharing fitting updates and gathering input from stakeholders spread across multiple time zones.
The excitement surrounding this Solheim Cup is palpable. It seems that every conversation I have these days inevitably circles back to the tournament, whether I am speaking with a fellow professional, a sponsor representative or a fan on social media. The buzz is a reminder of how significant this event is for women's golf in Europe and worldwide.
Balancing my duties as a touring player with the responsibilities of captain has been a demanding but rewarding challenge. I am grateful for the robust support network provided by the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA, and my management team, all of whom have helped me navigate the dual role of competitor and leader. Participating in this journey alongside the athletes is precisely why I accepted the captaincy. Being paired with European players on practice rounds has given me a front‑row seat to their preparation, mindset and camaraderie.
It feels like I am part of the action from within the ropes, gaining insights that will inform my strategic decisions during the competition. Stay tuned for the next installment of Captain's Corner, where I will share more updates on team selection, training camps, and the final preparations leading up to the showdown in the Netherlands. Anna Nordqvist's 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. Viewers can subscribe to Sky Sports or stream the coverage without a contract.
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