Dame Laura Davies has publicly urged Charley Hull to "step up and lead" 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, hoping to wrest the trophy back 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, who represents England, has enjoyed a breakout 2026 season, breaking into the top ten in three of the five major championships so far. Her most recent highlight was a shared sixth‑place finish at the AIG Women’s Open, where she demonstrated the composure and skill that have become hallmarks of her game. Davies, who holds the record for the most Solheim Cup appearances by any European player, shared her thoughts on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast.
"The team looks incredibly strong. You have a blend of experience and youthful energy, and everyone has a solid background in Solheim Cup competition. It's a wonderful mix," she said.
She added, "I expect Charley to be the leader again. We need her to deliver the kind of performance she showed in Virginia, even though that event ended in a loss. She must rise to the occasion and guide the team forward." The European side will be missing two notable players this year. Georgia Hall is out after giving birth earlier in the year, and Sweden’s Madelene Sagström will be unavailable as she is due to have a child in September.
Their absences create a gap in experience, but the captain and veterans believe the remaining squad can compensate. In a separate segment of the podcast, Nordqvist discussed the significance of the upcoming event for her personally.
The 2026 Solheim Cup will mark the end of a remarkable run of nine consecutive appearances for the Swedish captain, underscoring the passing of the torch to the next generation of European talent. Davies continued, "We've lost a few stalwarts—Georgia Hall with her new baby, Madelene Sagström, and of course the captain herself won't be playing.
But we still have a solid core of players who have been to many Solheim Cups, plus younger competitors who are eager and hungry to prove themselves." Nordqvist echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Hull's role. "Just 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 career right now, performing well in majors. I can’t wait to see her tee off for Europe." Among Nordqvist's four captain's picks was Ireland’s Leona Maguire, who made a splash as an unbeaten rookie when Europe secured an away victory over the United States in 2021. Maguire has since added appearances in 2023 and 2024, establishing herself as a reliable point‑getter.
At 31, she entered the squad as the highest‑ranked European player in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings who had not qualified automatically. She recorded three top‑10 finishes on the LPGA Tour this season, though she missed the cut in four of the five majors.
The other three selections were Spain’s Julia López Ramírez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud, and England’s Mimi Rhodes. Nordqvist praised Maguire, stating, "Leona possesses that special quality you need in a Solheim Cup player. I wouldn't want to face her on the other side.
She's fearless, has the mental toughness to deliver when it matters, and was a standout in her first Solheim Cup in Inverness, earning the nickname MVP for her point tally." Davies reinforced Maguire’s credentials, calling her "an absolute lock" as a captain’s pick. She highlighted Maguire’s impressive Solheim Cup record: eight and a half points from twelve matches, translating to a win rate just under 70 percent. "Before Virginia, her winning percentage was probably 85 or 90 percent," Davies noted.
"She’s a proven performer in this competition." The upcoming Solheim Cup promises high drama. Europe will be looking to reclaim the cup after the United States’ victory in 2024, while the U.S. team will aim to defend their title on foreign soil for the first time since the tournament moved to the Netherlands.
Fans can watch every session live on Sky Sports Golf from September 11‑13, with streaming options available without a contract for those outside the UK. Beyond the on‑course action, the event highlights the growing depth of women’s golf in Europe.
New talents such as Maguire, López Ramírez, Nadaud, and Rhodes illustrate the continent’s expanding pool of competitive players ready to challenge the traditional powerhouses. Their inclusion signals a strategic shift: blending seasoned veterans like Hull and Ciganda with emerging stars who bring fresh energy and a hunger to succeed. As the tournament draws near, the narrative will focus on whether Hull can translate her recent major‑season form into leadership that galvanizes the team. Her ability to handle pressure, inspire teammates, and deliver clutch performances will be scrutinized.
If she rises to the challenge, Europe could see a resurgence that ends the United States’ recent dominance. In summary, the stage is set for a compelling Solheim Cup showdown. With Hull poised to lead, Maguire ready to add points, and a balanced roster of experience and youth, Team Europe is positioned to mount a serious challenge for the trophy.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the blend of talent, leadership, and determination can tip the scales in Europe’s favor.