Dame Laura Davies has publicly urged Charley Hull to step up 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 attempt to reclaim the trophy from the United States in a three‑day showdown from September 11 to 13 on Dutch soil.
Hull and Spain's Carlota Ciganda are the most seasoned members of the European contingent, each preparing for what will be their eighth appearance in the biennial competition. Hull, hailing from England, has enjoyed a standout 2026 season, breaking into the top ten at three of the five major championships.
Most recently, she shared a sixth‑place finish at the AIG Women’s Open, underscoring her current form and readiness for high‑pressure match play. Davies, who holds the record for the most Solheim Cup appearances on the European side, shared her thoughts on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast. She praised the balance of the squad, noting, "It’s a really strong looking team. 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 went on to single out Hull, saying, "I think Charley will be the leader again and we’ll need her to perform like she did before. I know it was in a losing performance over there in Virginia, but she’s got to step up and lead that team out." The European side will be missing two notable players this year.
Georgia Hall is on maternity leave after giving birth earlier in the year, and Madelene Sagström will be unavailable as she is due to have a baby in September. Their absences create a gap in experience, but the team’s core remains robust.
Nordqvist, who will serve as captain for the final time after a record‑setting run of nine consecutive Solheim Cup appearances as a player, also expressed confidence in Hull’s ability to guide the home team. "You’re just going to let Charley be Charley," Nordqvist said. "It was really nice to see how much she really enjoyed the Solheim Cup last time in Washington. I know we lost, but just seeing her enjoy the whole experience, light up the team room just with her personality." Nordqvist highlighted Hull’s recent surge in major tournaments, adding, "It’s great to see her playing probably the best golf of her life, being up there in majors.
She lives for those moments, so I can’t wait to see her tee it up." This endorsement underscores the belief that Hull’s recent form and her natural charisma could be pivotal in energising the squad. Among the four captain’s picks, Nordqvist selected Ireland’s Leona Maguire, a player who made a significant impact as an unbeaten rookie during Europe’s victorious 2021 campaign in Inverness. Maguire, now 31, was the highest‑ranked European not to qualify automatically, having posted three top‑10 finishes on the LPGA Tour this season, though she missed the cut in four of the five majors. The other three picks were Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud, and England’s Mimi Rhodes.
Maguire’s inclusion was particularly noteworthy because she brings a proven track record in Solheim Cup play. Davies reinforced this, stating, "She hasn’t had the best season, I think she’d freely admit that, but what she has got is eight and a half points out of 12 Solheim Cup matches played. That’s a batting average of just under 70 per cent – an unbelievable record." Davies also reminded listeners of Maguire’s historic performance in Virginia, where her point total dipped, but before that she had been winning at a rate of 85‑90 per cent. "She was an absolute lock, no question about it," Davies affirmed.
The Solheim Cup, often described as the women’s Ryder Cup, pits the best female golfers from Europe against those from the United States in a format that blends foursomes, four‑ball, and singles matches. The competition is renowned for its passionate crowds, intense rivalries, and the unique pressure of representing a continent rather than an individual nation.
Hosting the event in the Netherlands adds an extra layer of motivation for the European side, who will be playing on familiar turf with the hopes of ending a recent American winning streak. With Hull expected to anchor the team, the European camp will likely lean on her experience in major championships to guide younger players such as Nastasia Nadaud and Mimi Rhodes, who are eager to make their mark on the biggest stage. The blend of seasoned veterans like Ciganda and Maguire with rising talent creates a dynamic that could prove decisive.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Golf, which will broadcast all three days of competition. For those without a traditional TV subscription, streaming options are available with no contract required, ensuring that the excitement of the Solheim Cup reaches a global audience. In summary, the message from Dame Laura Davies and Captain Anna Nordqvist is clear: Charley Hull must rise to the occasion, lead by example, and help steer Team Europe back to glory.
With a balanced roster, a mix of experience and youthful vigor, and the home‑field advantage, Europe has a genuine chance to wrest the trophy from the United States and write a new chapter in Solheim Cup history.