Dame Laura Davies has publicly urged Charley Hull to step forward and assume a leadership role for Team Europe as the Solheim Cup approaches in September. The call comes after European captain Anna Nordqvist announced her final four captain’s picks on Monday, completing a 12‑player roster that will compete on home soil in the Netherlands from September 11‑13, aiming to reclaim the trophy from the United States. Hull and Spain’s Carlota Ciganda are the most seasoned members of the European contingent, each heading into what will be their eighth Solheim Cup appearance. Hull, representing England, has enjoyed a standout 2026 season, breaking into the top ten at three of the five major championships and most recently sharing a sixth‑place finish at the AIG Women’s Open.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, Davies – who holds the record for the most Solheim Cup appearances by any European player – praised the composition of the squad: “It’s a very strong looking team. You have a blend of experience and youth, and everyone has been through the Solheim Cup environment before. It’s a lovely mix.” She went on to single out Hull, saying, “I think Charley will be the leader again and we’ll need her to perform as she did in previous outings.
I know the result in Virginia wasn’t what we wanted, but she has to step up and guide the team.” The European side will be missing two notable veterans. Georgia Hall is out after giving birth earlier this year, and Swedish star Madelene Sagström will be unavailable as she prepares for her own maternity leave in September. Their absences create a gap in experience, but the captain and her picks believe the remaining core can compensate. Nordqvist, who will captain the team for the final time after a record‑setting nine consecutive Solheim Cup appearances, also emphasized Hull’s importance.
“You’re just going to let Charley be Charley,” she said. “It was wonderful to see how much she enjoyed the Solheim Cup in Washington, even though we lost. Her personality lights up the team room, and she’s playing arguably the best golf of her life in the majors. I can’t wait to see her tee it up.” Among the four captain’s selections, Ireland’s Leona Maguire stands out.
Maguire was the top‑scoring rookie when Europe triumphed in the 2021 away match and has since featured in the 2023 and 2024 contests. At 31, she was the highest‑ranked European player in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings who did not automatically qualify, thanks to three top‑10 finishes on the LPGA Tour this season, despite missing the cut in four of the five majors. Maguire joins Hull, Ciganda, and the other picks—Spain’s Julia López Ramírez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud, and England’s Mimi Rhodes—in what Nordqvist described as a balanced blend of proven performers and hungry newcomers. Nordqvist praised Maguire’s temperament: “Leona has that special something you need in the Solheim Cup.
I wouldn’t want to play against her. She was MVP in Inverness because she earned the most points and played the most matches. She’s fearless, mentally tough, and brings out her best when it matters.” Davies echoed this sentiment, labeling Maguire an “absolute lock” as a captain’s pick.
She highlighted Maguire’s Solheim Cup record—eight and a half points from twelve matches, translating to a winning percentage just under 70 percent, and an even higher rate in earlier appearances. The upcoming competition will be broadcast live across all three days on Sky Sports Golf, with streaming options available without a contract.
Fans can also explore discounted rates for rounds at over 1,700 courses throughout the UK and Ireland, a reminder that the sport’s community extends beyond the elite event. In summary, the narrative shaping Team Europe’s campaign is one of resilience and renewal. While the loss of Hall and Sagström removes two seasoned competitors, the squad retains a solid nucleus of veteran Solheim Cup players—Hull, Ciganda, and Maguire—supported by emerging talents eager to prove themselves on the biggest stage. The leadership call directed at Charley Hull underscores the belief that her experience, recent form, and natural charisma can galvanize the team.
As the Netherlands prepares to host the event, all eyes will be on Hull’s performance, Maguire’s consistency, and the overall chemistry of a side determined to bring the trophy back to Europe.