Team Europe has now been officially confirmed, marking a pivotal moment in my tenure as captain and in the broader narrative of the Solheim Cup. With the roster locked in, the focus can shift entirely to fine‑tuning the preparation of the twelve competitors who will represent Europe in the upcoming showdown. The process of finalising the squad was both demanding and emotionally charged. It involved countless phone calls, delivering the disappointing news to those who fell short of selection and explaining why they would not be part of the event.
Hearing the sighs and seeing the disappointment on the faces of those players was tough, but it is an unavoidable part of building a championship team. In conversations with former captains, I was reminded that the most arduous phase often comes before the first tee.
Their advice was clear: give it my all, push through the difficult moments, and once the team is set, the real work of strategising and bonding begins. That perspective helped me stay focused and resilient throughout the selection period. One of the highlights of the announcement was the surprise for our three newcomers—Julia López Ramírez, Nastasia Nadaud, and Mimi Rhodes.
Telling them that each had earned a captain’s pick was a thrilling moment for me and, I’m sure, for the players themselves. Their fresh energy and aggressive styles will add a new dynamic to the squad. The following day, after the AIG Women’s Open, we gathered at the Sky Sports News studio for a live interview and broadcast.
Julia, Nastasia, and Mimi joined me on camera, sharing their excitement and discussing what it means to wear the European colors. The interview gave fans a glimpse of the personalities behind the names and underscored the blend of experience and youthful vigor that defines this team.
Looking at the final lineup, I feel confident about the balance we have achieved. We have seasoned veterans who bring a wealth of experience and calm under pressure, alongside four rookies who inject a breath of fresh air and a willingness to take bold shots. This mixture of steadiness and aggression should serve us well when we confront Team USA on the course. The next few weeks will be consumed by what I like to call the "pairing puzzle"—determining the optimal combinations of players for foursomes and four‑ball matches.
This strategic exercise will involve careful analysis of each golfer’s strengths, compatibility, and temperament. My goal is to craft pairings that maximise chemistry and capitalize on the unique skills each player brings to the table. Support from the broader team has been overwhelming. Our vice‑captains, the back‑room staff, caddies, and numerous helpers are already hard at work behind the scenes, reviewing data, scouting the competition, and preparing practice schedules.
Their dedication ensures that when we arrive in the Netherlands, we will be as prepared as possible for the challenges ahead. The Solheim Cup will be staged at Bernardus Golf for the first time in Dutch history, running from September 11‑13. This venue presents a fresh set of variables—new turf, unfamiliar weather patterns, and a different layout—that we must study meticulously.
The tournament’s novelty adds an extra layer of excitement for both players and fans. Our selection process combined multiple pathways. Charley Hull and Esther Henseleit secured their spots via the LET Solheim Cup Points List, rewarding consistent performance throughout the season.
Lottie Woad, Maja Stark, Linn Grant, Céline Boutier, Carlota Ciganda, and Nanna Koerstz Madsen earned automatic qualification based on their positions in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, reflecting their standing among the world’s elite. The final four places—Leona Maguire, Julia López Ramírez, Nastasia Nadaud, and Mimi Rhodes—were my captain’s picks, chosen for their potential to make a decisive impact when it matters most. Across the Atlantic, defending champions Team USA, led by captain Angela Stanford, will announce their roster later in August. They will be aiming to retain the Cup after their 15.5‑12.5 victory in 2024, needing just 14 points to keep the trophy.
Europe, on the other hand, must secure 14.5 points to claim the Cup outright—our first outright win since 2021. Sky Sports Golf will provide exclusive live coverage of all three days, beginning at 6 a.m.
on Friday, September 11, continuing at 6 a.m. on Saturday, and at 10 a.m.
on Sunday. Fans can watch the action either through a Sky Sports subscription or via a contract‑free streaming option, ensuring the competition reaches a global audience. As we move forward, my focus will remain on fostering team cohesion, sharpening our tactical approach, and keeping morale high. The excitement is palpable, and the support from fans, sponsors, and the golfing community fuels our determination.
In the weeks leading up to the event, we will continue intensive practice sessions, mental‑strength workshops, and strategic meetings. Every detail matters when the stakes are this high. Ultimately, the Solheim Cup is about more than just scores; it is a celebration of women’s golf, national pride, and the spirit of competition. I am honored to lead this group of talented athletes and look forward to watching them give their all on the fairways of Bernardus Golf.
The journey has just begun, and the puzzle is waiting to be solved.