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 right through to the tournament 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 opening major of the year, the Chevron Championship in Texas. A substantial number of our European women golfers performed admirably, showcasing the depth of talent we have at our disposal.
Early-season shifts in the Rolex Rankings have already begun to take shape, with several players hitting a rich vein of form. As we move forward, there are still three more majors on the horizon, each offering a larger pool of points, so the composition of the Solheim Cup team remains an exciting puzzle to solve.
For the latest updates, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and more, follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp. (For the best video playback experience, we recommend using the Chrome browser.) 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 initial step in what will become the final wardrobe for the competition. Our partnership with PING Europe spans the last three Solheim Cups, which has streamlined the fitting process considerably.
The team is receptive to our feedback and eager to tweak silhouettes, fabrics and colour palettes until they meet our exact specifications. While the final outfits will remain a surprise until the squads arrive in the Netherlands, I was given a preview of the accessories we have selected, the materials we have chosen, and the colour schemes we intend to employ. There are also a few whimsical elements we are still polishing, designed to add a touch of personality to the overall look. We are now finalising the attire for the Gala Dinner, scheduled for Wednesday of Solheim Cup week, as well as the garments we will wear during the Opening Ceremony.
Both events will feature a more formal aesthetic, contrasting with the functional gear used on the course. In parallel, we are collaborating with a Dutch design firm to produce a special piece of clothing that will be unveiled during the competition. I am particularly pleased that my vice‑captains, Mel and Carro, can breathe a sigh of relief – there will be no mandatory dress code for them this year, which has been a frequent request.
Behind the scenes, discussions continue with players, caddies and the broader support staff. Zoom meetings have become a staple of my routine, allowing us to coordinate logistics, share updates and keep everyone aligned despite the busy travel schedules. The buzz surrounding this Solheim Cup is palpable.
It seems impossible to have a conversation about anything else without the tournament being mentioned or asked about at least once. Balancing my own tour commitments with captaincy duties has been challenging, but the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA and my management team have provided invaluable assistance, enabling me to navigate this dual role effectively.
What truly motivates me is the opportunity to share this journey with the players. Being paired with the European contingent gives me a front‑row seat inside the ropes, allowing me to observe their preparation up close and build genuine relationships. Those personal connections are why I volunteered for this role at this point in my career.
Stay tuned for the next edition of Captain's Corner, where I will share more insights on team selection, training camps and the final uniform reveal. 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. You can watch via Sky Sports subscription or stream without a contract. Looking to play a round yourself?
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