The European squad is now set, marking a pivotal moment in my tenure as captain and in the broader Solheim Cup narrative. With the roster locked in, we can shift our attention fully to preparing the twelve athletes for the upcoming showdown and the myriad events that lead up to it. Finalising the team was one of the most challenging and emotionally charged phases of this journey. It meant countless phone calls, delivering the difficult news to those who fell just short of selection and explaining that they would not be part of the competition.
I leaned heavily on the wisdom of former captains, who urged me to stay resolute and push through the discomfort, reminding me that once the selections were made, the toughest part of the process would be behind us. The moment I broke the news to the three newcomers—Julia López Ramírez, Nastasia Nadaud and Mimi Rhodes—that they had earned a place among my four captain's picks was electrifying.
Their surprise and joy encapsulated the fresh energy they will bring to the team. The following day, after the AIG Women’s Open, I sat down with Julia, Nastasia and Mimi for a series of interviews that were broadcast live from the Sky Sports News studio.
Their enthusiasm was palpable, and it reinforced my confidence that we have assembled a balanced group that blends seasoned experience with youthful vigor. I am genuinely pleased with the composition of our squad. The line‑up merges veteran poise, distinctive personalities, and the aggressive, fearless style that our three rookies embody. This mixture should give us a competitive edge and keep the atmosphere dynamic throughout the contest.
In the weeks ahead, my primary focus will be solving the "pairing puzzle"—determining which combinations of players will complement each other best and produce the strongest possible partnerships against Team USA. The support from fans, the media and the broader golfing community has been overwhelming, and it fuels my optimism for the weeks leading up to the event. Although we still have a couple of weeks before we all travel to the Netherlands, preparation is already in full swing behind the scenes.
The vice‑captains, support staff, caddies and a host of volunteers are all contributing to a seamless operational plan that will allow the players to concentrate solely on performance. My column, supplied by the Ladies European Tour, was published ahead of the Solheim Cup, which will be contested from September 11‑13 at Bernardus Golf—the first time the competition will be staged in the Netherlands.
The venue offers a fresh backdrop for what promises to be a thrilling contest, and I am eager to see how our team adapts to its unique challenges. The European roster features a blend of qualification routes.
Charley Hull and Esther Henseleit earned their spots via the LET Solheim Cup Points List, while Lottie Woad, Maja Stark, Linn Grant, Céline Boutier, Carlota Ciganda and Nanna Koerstz Madsen qualified through their positions on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. The four captain’s picks—Leona Maguire, Julia López Ramírez, Nastasia Nadaud and Mimi Rhodes—complete the twelve‑strong line‑up. Across the Atlantic, defending champions Team USA, led by captain Angela Stanford, will reveal their squad later in August. Sky Sports Golf has secured exclusive live coverage for all three days of the biennial event, beginning at 6 a.m.
on Friday, September 11, with subsequent sessions at 6 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday.
From a points perspective, Team USA must accumulate 14 points to retain the Cup after their 15.5‑12.5 victory in 2024. Europe, on the other hand, needs 14.5 points to claim its first outright win since 2021.
The margin is narrow, and every match will be crucial. Beyond the tactical considerations, the emotional narrative is compelling.
The Solheim Cup has always been a showcase of camaraderie, national pride, and the highest level of women’s golf. For Europe, this edition carries the added significance of playing on Dutch soil for the first time, offering both a home‑field advantage and the responsibility of representing a new host nation. As captain, I am committed to fostering a supportive environment where each player feels empowered to perform at her best. The rookies will be mentored by veterans such as Maja Stark and Linn Grant, while the experienced players will help guide the team through the pressure of match play.
Our strategy will involve meticulous analysis of each opponent’s strengths, course‑specific tactics, and the psychological aspects of team competition. The excitement is building not just within the team but also among the fans who will be tuning in via Sky Sports or streaming platforms without a contract.
The anticipation of watching Europe strive to reclaim the trophy adds an extra layer of drama to an already electrifying sporting event. In summary, the team is set, the preparation is underway, and the puzzle of pairings is the next challenge I eagerly embrace. With the backing of a dedicated staff, enthusiastic supporters, and a blend of seasoned and fresh talent, I am confident that Team Europe will deliver a memorable performance and give the Netherlands a spectacular introduction to the Solheim Cup.