Welcome to the second edition of my Captain's Corner! This season I am sharing my experience as the European Solheim Cup captain, documenting the journey from the early preparations right through to the competition itself, which will be hosted in the Netherlands for the first time from September 7 to 13. The golf calendar is already in full swing and we have just concluded the first major of the year, The Chevron Championship in Texas.
European players performed admirably, with many of our ladies posting strong scores and showing the depth of talent that will be crucial as the Solheim Cup approaches. Early-season movement in the Rolex Rankings has been noticeable. A variety of players have hit a hot streak, and the points race is tightening as we head toward the next four majors, each offering even more ranking points. Watching the team shape itself in real time is exhilarating, and I expect the competition for the final Solheim Cup spots to intensify.
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Last week we welcomed the PING Europe apparel team to The Chevron Championship for the first possible fitting of uniforms for both players and caddies. This marks the initial step in creating the distinctive look we will showcase in the Netherlands. Our relationship with PING Europe spans the last three Solheim Cups, which means the fitting process is already well‑honed.
The team is receptive to our input, constantly tweaking cuts, fabrics and colour palettes to match the preferences of the European contingent. Their collaborative attitude makes it easy to fine‑tune every detail. While the final outfits will remain a surprise until the squads arrive on Dutch soil, I was given an exclusive preview of the accessories we have selected, the materials we have chosen, and the colour schemes that will define our visual identity.
There are also a few playful elements in the pipeline that we hope will delight the players and the audience alike. We are currently polishing the official attire for the Gala Dinner, which will be held on Wednesday of Solheim Cup week, as well as the garments for the Opening Ceremony. Both events demand a balance of elegance and team spirit, and we are working closely with a Dutch design firm to ensure the clothing reflects the host nation’s style while staying true to Europe’s brand.
In addition to the apparel, I want to highlight a few related resources that fans may find useful: - "Solheim Cup 2026: All You Need to Know" – a comprehensive guide covering venue details, schedule and ticket information. - "Nordqvist to Captain Europe in 2026" – a profile of my appointment and vision for the team. - "How the USA Won the 2024 Solheim Cup" – an analysis of the previous edition’s key moments. - "Stream the Solheim Cup with No Contract" – options for watching the event online without a long‑term commitment.
One particular point of relief for many of our team members, including vice‑captains Melissa (Mel) and Carro, is that we will not be introducing a formal dress code for the event this year. This decision, made in partnership with our Dutch apparel collaborator, reflects a desire to keep the atmosphere relaxed and focused on performance rather than fashion. The behind‑the‑scenes work continues unabated.
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 conversation almost always circles back to the Solheim Cup; it has become such a central theme that it is rare to speak with anyone in the golf world without the tournament being mentioned.
Balancing my duties as a touring professional with the responsibilities of captaincy has been a demanding juggling act. I am grateful for the unwavering support from the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA, and my management team, all of whom have helped me navigate this dual role. Their assistance has allowed me to focus on both my own game and the strategic preparation of the squad.
Being on this journey alongside the players is precisely why I accepted the captaincy. When I am paired with European teammates during practice rounds, I get a front‑row seat to observe their strengths, work on their mental approach, and build genuine relationships.
Those moments inside the ropes are priceless and deepen my connection to the team. Stay tuned for the next installment of Captain's Corner, where I will share further updates on uniform selections, practice sessions, and the final team lineup. 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. Viewers can subscribe to Sky Sports or stream the coverage without a contract.
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