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 aim to reclaim the trophy from the United States in a three‑day showdown from September 11 to 13 on Dutch soil. Hull, alongside Spain's Carlota Ciganda, brings the most Solheim Cup experience to the European camp, each set to make their eighth appearance in the biennial competition.
Hull’s 2026 season has been impressive; she has finished inside the top ten in three of the five major championships so far, most recently sharing sixth place at the AIG Women’s Open over the weekend. Her consistent form and familiarity with the pressures of major‑stage golf make her a natural candidate for the team’s on‑course leader. Davies, who holds the record for the most Solheim Cup appearances by any European player, shared her thoughts on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, describing the squad as "really strong" with a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers.
"You’ve got the experience, some of them are young but really well experienced in Solheim Cup golf. I think it’s a lovely blend," she said. She went on to single out Hull, noting that the Englishwoman will need to "step up and lead" the side, especially after a disappointing showing in Virginia where Europe fell short. The European team will be missing two notable players this year.
England’s Georgia Hall is on maternity leave after giving birth earlier in the year, and Sweden’s Madelene Sagström is also expecting a child in September, meaning both will be unavailable for selection. Their absences represent a loss of experience, but the captain and her staff believe the remaining core of players, combined with the enthusiasm of the younger members, will compensate. Nordqvist, who will captain the side for the final time after a record‑setting nine consecutive Solheim Cup appearances, echoed Davies’ confidence in Hull.
"You’re just going to let Charley be Charley," she said, recalling Hull’s infectious enthusiasm during the last edition in Washington, where despite the team’s loss, Hull’s personality lifted the team atmosphere. Nordqvist praised Hull’s recent major‑championship performances, noting that she appears to be playing the best golf of her career and is eager to tee off for the home crowd. Among the four captain’s picks, Ireland’s Leona Maguire stands out.
Maguire was a standout rookie in Europe’s 2021 victory in Inverness and has since added appearances in 2023 and 2024. At 31, she entered the squad as the highest‑ranked European who had not qualified automatically, thanks to three top‑10 finishes on the LPGA Tour this season, despite missing the cut in four of the five majors. Maguire’s inclusion was announced live on Sky Sports alongside three other picks: Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramírez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud, and England’s Mimi Rhodes.
Nordqvist praised Maguire’s intangible qualities, calling her “fearless” and saying, "She has that little special thing you need in the Solheim Cup. I wouldn’t want to play against her.
I’m glad she’s on my team." She recalled how Maguire’s performance in her debut Solheim Cup earned her the nickname MVP, highlighting her ability to deliver points when it matters most. Davies concurred, labeling Maguire an "absolute lock" as a captain’s pick. She pointed to Maguire’s historic Solheim Cup record – eight and a half points from 12 matches, a conversion rate just under 70 percent – and noted that prior to a recent dip in Virginia, Maguire had been winning roughly 85‑90 percent of her points.
The upcoming Solheim Cup promises a compelling narrative: a youthful, dynamic European side led by a seasoned Hull, supported by a core of experienced players and bolstered by the fearless play of Maguire. The competition will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf across all three days, with streaming options available without a contract for viewers who prefer online access.
Golf enthusiasts can also take advantage of special offers to book rounds at over 1,700 courses throughout the UK and Ireland, a reminder that the sport’s excitement extends far beyond the television screen. As the tournament draws nearer, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Team Europe can overturn the United States’ recent dominance and bring the Solheim Cup home to the Netherlands. With Hull poised to lead, Maguire ready to add points, and a blend of experience and youthful vigor across the squad, the odds are intriguing.
Fans will be watching closely, hoping that the combination of talent, determination, and strategic leadership will be enough to secure Europe’s first Solheim Cup victory on continental soil in years.