Dame Laura Davies has publicly urged Charley Hull to assume a leadership role for Team Europe as they prepare for the Solheim Cup scheduled for September 11-13 in the Netherlands. The call comes after European captain Anna Nordqvist announced her final 12-player roster on Monday, completing the home side’s line‑up that will aim to reclaim the trophy from the United States. Hull and Spain’s Carlota Ciganda are the most seasoned members of the European contingent, each set to make their eighth Solheim Cup appearance. Hull, who hails from England, has enjoyed a standout 2026 season, breaking into the top ten in three of the five major championships and most recently sharing sixth place at the AIG Women’s Open.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, Davies – who holds the record for the most Solheim Cup appearances for Europe – praised the composition of the team: "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 added that Hull’s role would be pivotal: "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 squad 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 create space for fresh talent, but also raise questions about how the team will replace the depth and experience they provided.
Nordqvist, who will serve as captain for the last time after nine consecutive Solheim Cup appearances, echoed Davies’ sentiment about Hull’s importance. In a follow‑up interview on the same podcast, she said, "You’re just going to let Charley be Charley.
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 also highlighted Hull’s recent form, noting that the English star appears to be playing the best golf of her career, especially in major tournaments.
"She lives for those moments, so I can’t wait to see her tee it up," the captain added, underscoring the expectation that Hull will be a catalyst for the home crowd and her teammates alike. Among the four captain’s picks, Nordqvist selected Ireland’s Leona Maguire, who burst onto the Solheim Cup scene as an unbeaten rookie in Europe’s 2021 victory in the United States and has since featured in the 2023 and 2024 editions.
At 31, Maguire was the highest‑ranked European player not to qualify automatically, having logged three top‑10 finishes on the LPGA Tour this season despite missing the cut in four of the five majors. The other three selections were Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramírez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud, and England’s Mimi Rhodes. Maguire’s inclusion sparked particular enthusiasm from both Davies and Nordqvist. "Leona just has that little special thing that you need in the Solheim Cup.
I wouldn’t want to play against her. I’m glad she’s on my team," Nordqvist said, recalling how Maguire was dubbed the MVP of her debut event in Inverness for accumulating the most points and matches.
Davies reinforced that assessment, calling Maguire an "absolute lock" as a captain’s pick. She cited Maguire’s historic Solheim Cup record – eight and a half points out of twelve matches, a winning percentage just under 70%, and an even higher conversion rate in earlier editions – as proof of her reliability under pressure.
"She hasn’t had the best season, I think she’d freely admit that," Davies noted, "but what she has got is eight and a half points out of 12 Solheim Cup matches played. That’s all you need to see there." The upcoming tournament promises high drama. After the United States secured the cup in 2024, Europe will be eager to reverse the trend on home soil. The Dutch venue adds a familiar backdrop for the European players, many of whom have thrived in front of supportive crowds in past editions.
Analysts expect a tight contest, with the younger contingent – including the newly‑picked Lopez Ramírez, Nadaud, and Rhodes – bringing fresh energy, while veterans like Hull, Ciganda, and Maguire provide the steadying influence required in match‑play formats. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Golf, which will broadcast all three days of competition.
The network also offers streaming options with no contractual obligations, making it easier for international viewers to tune in. In addition, Sky Sports maintains a robust presence on WhatsApp, delivering real‑time updates, video highlights, and expert analysis throughout the event.
Beyond the on‑course battles, the Solheim Cup continues to serve as a platform for promoting women's golf worldwide. The tournament’s growing viewership has spurred increased investment in grassroots programs across Europe, aiming to nurture the next generation of talent that will eventually fill the shoes of players like Hall and Sagström when they return from maternity leave. In summary, Charley Hull is being called upon to lead by example, drawing on her recent major‑championship performances and her extensive Solheim Cup experience.
With a blend of seasoned campaigners and eager newcomers, Team Europe hopes to harness the home‑field advantage and the motivational push from figures like Davies and Nordqvist to reclaim the cup. The stage is set for a compelling showdown in September, and all eyes will be on Hull to see whether she can rise to the occasion and guide Europe back to victory.