Mimi Rhodes is savoring the opportunity to realize a lifelong ambition by competing in the Solheim Cup, and she is throwing her full support behind captain Anna Nordqvist as Europe aims to recapture the trophy on Dutch soil. Rhodes will step onto the fairways of Bernardus Golf for her inaugural Solheim Cup appearance with Team Europe this week, having earned a captain's pick from Nordqvist last month.
The event offers the host continent a chance to overturn the disappointment of last year’s defeat to the United States. The English golfer’s journey began with a distinguished amateur résumé, which she built upon by notching three victories during her rookie season on the Ladies European Tour last year. Now, after a promising first campaign on the LPGA Tour, Rhodes is eager to add the honor of representing Europe to her growing list of achievements.
"For me, this is the culmination of twelve years of hard work since I first picked up a club," Rhodes told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview. "I grew up watching the Solheim Cup on television at my grandparents' house, surrounded by family who love team sport and especially team golf. Those memories are vivid – the excitement, the camaraderie, the pride. The tournament only comes around every two years, so it’s almost impossible to put into words how surreal it feels to actually be playing in it.
"Since turning professional, this has been my number‑one dream, even more than winning a major. Representing Europe has always been the goal that has driven me forward." Rhodes entered the season with consecutive top‑10 finishes, but a stretch of seven missed cuts in eight events from April to July left her fearing she might be left out of the captain’s selections. A late‑season surge, highlighted by making the cut at both the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open and the AIG Women’s Open, helped her stay in contention while many of her rivals faltered. She learned of her selection only after Nordqvist called her following the season‑ending women’s major.
"That phone call was surreal," Rhodes recalled. "When you crave something that badly and it finally arrives, you have to ask yourself, ‘Is this really happening?’ The months leading up to it were stressful – I didn’t know what to expect. I was bracing for the worst, and when the call came, I was overwhelmed with relief and joy. I just want to make Anna proud and I can’t wait to get out there." Rhodes’ connection to the Solheim Cup dates back to 2019, when she participated in the PING Junior Solheim Cup at Gleneagles.
She later watched the senior event from inside the ropes as Suzann Pettersen secured a dramatic 14.5‑13.5 victory for Europe. "That was an unforgettable memory," she said. "They invited us to a little celebration afterward, which felt amazing.
Standing there, I thought, ‘I want to work hard enough to earn a spot on that team and represent Europe.’ Representing your continent is the highest honor in women’s golf." The last three Solheim Cups held in Europe have produced the closest finishes in the competition’s history – 2015 and 2019 were decided by a single point, while the 2023 edition ended in a 14‑14 tie. Rhodes believes Europe has the talent and the mindset to tip the scales in its favour this time.
"On paper, the strength of the U.S. team doesn’t matter as much as the belief we bring," she asserted. "At practice, the vibe was positive and we were having fun, which I think can be intimidating for the opposition." She also praised Nordqvist’s leadership.
"Anna exudes confidence and poise. She’s a natural leader who will steer us in the right direction and keep the energy high. Knowing she’s proud of us already takes some pressure off, but she’ll still keep us disciplined.
Her words inspire us, and we’re eager to follow her guidance." Rhodes concluded with determination: "We’re going to make Anna proud and bring the Cup home." Fans can follow Team Europe’s quest to reclaim the Solheim Cup live on Sky Sports, with coverage spanning September 11‑13. For those without a contract, streaming options are available through NOW, offering flexible access to every swing of the competition.