The recent Solheim Cup contests have shown just how evenly matched Team Europe and Team USA have become, and there is little reason to believe this weekend’s showdown will break that pattern. Anna Nordqvist’s European squad is set to chase the trophy on familiar ground at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, with the matches being broadcast live on Sky Sports. Two years ago, Europe suffered a 15.5‑12.5 defeat in Virginia, marking their first loss in the biennial event since 2017, and they are eager to reverse that outcome. Unlike the Ryder Cup, which in recent editions has often produced decisive victories—aside from the dramatic comeback by the United States at Bethpage Black in 2022—the Solheim Cup has consistently delivered nail‑biting finishes.
The last three European venues have produced the three closest results in the competition’s history. In 2015 and 2019, the matches were decided by a single point, while the 2023 edition ended in an unprecedented 14‑14 tie.
Each of those close calls brought its own storyline. In 2015, Team USA staged a record‑breaking singles rally to clinch the Cup, while four years later Suzann Pettersen sank the decisive putt on the 18th green to hand Europe a memorable victory at Gleneagles. The Spanish edition added another dramatic chapter when Europe, after being swept in the opening Friday session, clawed back in the singles to reach the required 14 points and retain the Cup. Even earlier, the 2011 Dublin contest was decided by a slim two‑point margin after an injury forced Cristie Kerr to withdraw from the singles.
Collectively, the last four Solheim Cups held on European soil have been decided by a combined total of just six points, underscoring how razor‑thin the margins can be. This year’s line‑ups look just as balanced in terms of recent form, world rankings, and Solheim Cup experience, making it difficult to predict which side will hoist the trophy on Sunday evening. Team Europe often enters the competition as the underdog in the eyes of many observers because the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings typically feature a larger contingent of American players in the top tier.
However, Europe now boasts more players inside the top ten than the United States, narrowing that perceived gap. Charley Hull marks her eighth consecutive appearance for Europe, while world No. 7 Lottie Woad, despite being labeled a rookie, has already captured two LPGA titles within a little over a year of turning professional.
Nordqvist can also call upon five players ranked inside the world’s top 35: Esther Henseleit, who surged after a runner‑up finish at the AIG Women’s Open, and both Maja Stark and Céline Boutier, who are regular contenders on the LPGA Tour. The United States, by contrast, has depth with nine players inside the top 50, though the lowest‑ranked American, Lindy Duncan, sits at No.
66. Five Europeans—including all four of the captain’s picks—rank outside the top 50, highlighting a slight disparity in ranking depth. "I firmly believe it will come down to home advantage," veteran Solheim Cup stalwart Dame Laura Davies told the Sky Sports Golf podcast. "The atmosphere will be electric, with our girls playing in front of a massive crowd.
On paper, the Americans will probably be favorites because they all compete on the LPGA Tour, but home advantage can make a huge difference." Beyond the rankings, recent form on the LPGA Tour offers few clues. While Nelly Korda has enjoyed a spectacular start to her season—winning four events and never finishing worse than eighth in a ten‑tournament stretch—most other players from both sides have yet to notch a victory in 2026. Lauren Coughlin’s triumph at the Aramco Championship stands as the sole American Solheim Cup player win on the LPGA Tour this year, while Céline Boutier and Lottie Woad are the only Europeans to have won stateside.
Charley Hull, who captured the PIF Saudi Ladies International on the Ladies European Tour in February, brings both experience and confidence. She famously defeated Korda 6&4 in the Sunday singles two years ago, and she already holds 15 Solheim Cup match wins—the most by any player before turning 30.
Only Annika Sörenstam boasts a higher winning‑points percentage among those who have represented Europe as frequently. Davies has urged Hull to "step up and lead" Europe again, citing her power off the tee and relaxed demeanor. Nordqvist echoed this sentiment, noting that Hull, currently world No.
8, will likely play a pivotal role in Europe’s quest to retain the Cup. "You just have to let Charley be Charley," Nordqvist told Sky Sports.
"It was wonderful to see how much she enjoyed the Solheim Cup last time—she lights up the team room with her personality. I can’t wait to see her tee it up." There was speculation earlier in the season about Nordqvist possibly naming herself as a captain’s pick after a strong summer, but she dismissed the idea and instead selected four younger players to round out her roster.
A tied‑seventh finish at the Evian Championship sparked those discussions, as did solid top‑30 finishes in her subsequent events. Meanwhile, veteran Georgia Hall missed the cut for the first time since 2015, and Madelene Sagström was absent due to maternity leave. The squad also features seasoned competitors like Leona Maguire, the hero of Europe’s 2021 victory on foreign soil, as well as rising talents such as Julia Lopez Ramírez, Nastasia Nadaud, and Mimi Rhodes, all eager to prove themselves on golf’s biggest stage.
"We have great power in the team and I think we’ll be really strong this year," Nordqvist said. "It will be a big change, but we have a solid core group that will make everyone feel comfortable and confident." Historically, when Europe has selected three rookies as captain’s picks—in 2011 and 2021—it has resulted in victories. Nordqvist hopes to complete a hat‑trick of such successes.
Who will ultimately claim the Solheim Cup? Catch Team Europe’s attempt to reclaim the trophy live on Sky Sports, with all three days of action streamed from September 11‑13 on Sky Sports Golf. For the latest offers, visit Sky Sports or stream without a contract on NOW.