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 all the way through to the competition itself, which will be hosted in the Netherlands for the very 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, posting several impressive rounds and showing the depth of talent that we can draw upon for the Solheim Cup.
Early-season movement in the Rolex Rankings has been noticeable. A variety of golfers have found form, and the points race is already heating up. With three more majors looming on the horizon—each offering even larger point allocations—the picture of our eventual team is still taking shape, and I expect it to become clearer as the season progresses. For the latest updates, highlights, and expert analysis, follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp.
The platform delivers breaking news, video clips, feature stories and in‑depth commentary straight to your device. A quick technical note: for the best viewing experience of our video content, please use the Chrome browser, which provides a more accessible player. Last week, the PING Europe apparel team joined us at the Chevron Championship for the first tentative fitting of uniforms for both players and caddies. This marks the beginning of what will be a series of fittings leading up to the Cup.
We have collaborated closely with PING Europe on the last three Solheim Cups, and that history makes the current process remarkably smooth. The PING team is receptive to our feedback, constantly tweaking silhouettes, fabrics and colour palettes to suit the preferences of our athletes and their support staff. While the final garments 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 we have settled on. In addition, a few playful surprises are still in the pipeline, designed to add a touch of personality to the overall look.
We are also finalising the formal attire for the Gala Dinner, scheduled for Wednesday of Solheim Cup week, as well as the ensemble for the Opening Ceremony. Both events call for a polished yet distinctive aesthetic that reflects the prestige of the competition while allowing our representatives to feel comfortable and confident. In related news, you may have seen headlines such as "Solheim Cup 2026: Everything You Need to Know," "Nordqvist to Captain Europe in 2026," "How the USA Secured the 2024 Solheim Cup," and "Stream the Solheim Cup Without a Contract." All of these stories underline the growing interest and commercial opportunities surrounding the event.
We are partnering with a Dutch design firm to produce a unique piece of apparel, and I am eager to see how the players respond. I can already tell a few of them—my vice‑captains, Mel and Carro—will breathe a sigh of relief when they learn that we have decided not to introduce a formal dress for this edition, keeping the dress code more relaxed and functional. Behind the scenes, discussions continue with players, caddies and the broader support team.
Zoom has become one of my most frequently used tools for these conversations, allowing us to coordinate schedules, share fitting updates and address any concerns in real time. The excitement surrounding this Solheim Cup is palpable. It is rare for me to have a conversation with anyone—whether a fellow professional, a sponsor or a fan—without the Solheim Cup being mentioned at least once. The tournament has become a central talking point across the tour.
Balancing my duties as a touring player with the responsibilities of captain has been challenging this year, but I have been fortunate to receive strong backing from the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA, and my management team. Their support has been essential in navigating the dual role and ensuring that I can give both my playing commitments and captaincy the attention they deserve. Embarking on this journey alongside the European players is precisely why I accepted the captaincy.
Being paired with them on the course gives me a privileged seat inside the ropes, allowing me to observe their games up close, understand their personalities and build genuine relationships. Those moments have enriched my experience and will undoubtedly influence the final team selection.
Stay tuned for the next edition of Captain's Corner, where I will share more insights, behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes and updates on our preparations. Anna Nordqvist's column was supplied by the Ladies European Tour in advance of the Solheim Cup, which will be broadcast live from September 11‑13 on Sky Sports. You can subscribe to Sky Sports or stream the coverage without a contract.
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