Welcome to the second edition of my Captain's Corner! This season I am inviting you to follow my experience as the captain of Team Europe for the Solheim Cup, a competition that will make its debut in the Netherlands from September 7th to 13th. The journey begins now, with the regular tour schedule already in full swing.
We have just wrapped up the first major of the calendar year, The Chevron Championship in Texas, where a large contingent of European players delivered strong performances. Their showing was a promising sign for the upcoming Solheim Cup, and it also triggered some early shifts in the Rolex Rankings. With a variety of golfers hitting form, the race to secure a place on the European team is already looking intriguing.
As the season progresses, we will have four more majors to contend with, each offering a higher points haul and further opportunities for players to cement their spots. For fans who want the latest updates, Sky Sports now offers a WhatsApp channel delivering breaking news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and exclusive features. To enjoy the video content in the best possible format, we recommend using the Chrome browser. Last week, the PING Europe apparel team joined us at The Chevron Championship for the first possible fitting session for player and caddie uniforms.
Over the past three Solheim Cups we have built a close partnership with PING Europe, which makes the fitting process seamless. Their design team is receptive to our feedback and eager to tweak both the cut and the styling until everything feels just right for the team.
While the final outfits will remain a surprise until the squads arrive in the Netherlands, I was given an exclusive preview of the accessories, fabrics, and colour palettes we have selected. In addition to the standard jackets and shirts, we have incorporated a range of subtle details—custom embroidery, reflective trims for evening events, and a selection of caps and scarves that echo the Dutch landscape. There are also a few fun surprises in the pipeline that we are keeping under wraps for now.
We are currently finalising the attire for two key occasions: the Gala Dinner on Wednesday of Solheim Cup week and the opening ceremony that will kick off the competition. Both events demand a dressier look than the daily match‑play attire, and we have partnered with a Dutch design studio to create pieces that blend traditional European elegance with a modern, athletic feel. I can already tell the players are relieved that we are not reverting to a formal dress code for the tournament itself—something my vice‑captains, Mel and Carro, have both expressed gratitude for. The behind‑the‑scenes work continues at a rapid pace.
I spend a great deal of time on Zoom calls with players, caddies and the support staff, ironing out logistics, discussing uniform preferences, and ensuring everyone feels comfortable with the final selections. The conversation about the Solheim Cup dominates every interaction I have; it seems impossible to speak with anyone without the event being mentioned at least once. Balancing my duties as a touring professional with the responsibilities of captain has been a demanding yet rewarding challenge.
I am fortunate to have the backing of the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA, and my management team, all of whom help me navigate this dual role. Being on the road with the players gives me a unique perspective and allows me to observe the competition from the best possible seat—right inside the ropes, sharing moments with the athletes and gaining insight into their preparation and mindset. Looking ahead, I will keep you updated through future Captain's Corner entries, sharing more behind‑the‑scenes stories, outfit reveals, and personal reflections as the Solheim Cup approaches.
This column is provided in partnership with the Ladies European Tour and will be broadcast live from September 11‑13 on Sky Sports. You can watch the action on Sky Sports or stream it without a contract. If you are interested in playing a round of golf yourself, you can find the best rates at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland. Simply enter a course name, city or postcode to discover nearby options.