Dame Laura Davies has publicly urged Charley Hull to step up and take on 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 to 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 breakout 2026 season, finishing inside the top ten in three of the five major championships.
Most recently she shared a sixth‑place finish at the AIG Women’s Open, underscoring her consistent form heading into the team event. Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, Davies – who holds the record for the most Solheim Cup appearances for Europe – praised the depth and balance of the squad.
"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 said.
She added that Hull’s previous performances, even in the loss at Virginia, demonstrated the kind of resilience the team needs. "I think Charley will be the leader again and we’ll need her to perform like she did before.
I know it was a losing performance over there in Virginia, but she’s got to step up and lead that team out," Davies emphasized. The European side will be without two notable players this year. 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 miss the competition. Their absences represent a loss of experience, but the captain believes the remaining core is more than capable.
Nordqvist, who will captain the team for the last time after a record‑setting run of nine consecutive Solheim Cup appearances, also highlighted Hull’s importance. "You’re just going to let Charley be Charley," she said, recalling Hull’s enthusiasm during the previous Cup in Washington. "It was really nice to see how much she really enjoyed the Solheim Cup last time. I know we lost, but just seeing her enjoy the whole experience, light up the team room with her personality.
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." Among Nordqvist’s four captain’s picks were Ireland’s Leona Maguire, Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud and England’s Mimi Rhodes. Maguire, who made a strong impression as an unbeaten rookie in Europe’s 2021 away victory, has become a regular fixture, earning a spot despite not qualifying automatically.
She ranked as the highest‑placed European player in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings who needed a captain’s pick, having logged three top‑10 finishes on the LPGA Tour this season, though she missed the cut in four of the five majors. Maguire’s previous Solheim Cup record impressed both captain and veteran. Davies described her as "an absolute lock" for the team, pointing to her eight and a half points earned from 12 matches – a winning percentage just under 70 percent, and even higher in earlier outings. "She was batting at probably 85, 90 per cent winning percentage before Virginia," Davies noted, emphasizing that her consistency makes her a valuable asset.
The upcoming Solheim Cup promises a compelling narrative: a home team bolstered by seasoned veterans like Hull and Ciganda, fresh energy from emerging talents such as Maguire and Rhodes, and the strategic guidance of a captain concluding a historic tenure. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Golf, with all three days broadcast from September 11‑13. The tournament will not only test individual skill but also the collective spirit and leadership of Team Europe as they strive to overturn the United States’ recent dominance and bring the Cup back to Dutch soil.
Beyond the on‑course drama, the event highlights the evolving landscape of women’s golf, where players balance professional commitments with personal milestones such as motherhood, as seen with Hall and Sagström. It also underscores the growing depth of European talent, with players from across the continent contributing to a truly multinational roster.
As the weeks tick down, all eyes will be on Hull to see whether she can translate her strong major‑season form into decisive performances and inspirational leadership for her teammates. The pressure will be immense, but the confidence expressed by Davies, Nordqvist, and the broader squad suggests that Europe believes in her ability to rise to the occasion and help guide the team toward a victorious September.