Mimi Rhodes can hardly contain her excitement as she prepares to live out a lifelong ambition at the Solheim Cup, and she is firmly backing Anna Nordqvist to guide Team Europe to a victorious finish on Dutch soil. This week marks Rhodes' inaugural appearance in the Solheim Cup, representing Europe at Bernardus Golf. She earned her place as one of Nordqvist's captain's selections last month, joining a squad eager to reclaim the trophy after the disappointment of a 2024 loss to the United States.
The English golfer enjoyed a distinguished amateur career before bursting onto the professional scene with three victories during her rookie season on the Ladies European Tour last year. Now, after a promising first year on the LPGA Tour, Rhodes is focused on achieving the ultimate personal milestone: donning the European colors in the sport’s most prestigious team event.
"This is what I've been working toward for the past twelve years, ever since I first picked up a club," Rhodes told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview. "You see it on television, you wait two years for the chance to watch it, and I have so many vivid memories of sitting in my grandparents' living room, surrounded by family, cheering on team golf." She continued, "The Solheim Cup is a massive occasion that only comes around once every two years, and it's almost impossible to put into words how surreal it feels to know I'm actually going to play in it.
This has been the number‑one thing I've dreamed about since turning professional—far beyond winning majors or any other accolade. I simply want to represent Europe." Rhodes entered the season with back‑to‑back top‑ten finishes, but a stretch of seven missed cuts in eight tournaments between April and July left her uncertain about a captain's pick. A strong finish to the qualification period, 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 rivals faltered.
She learned of her selection only after Nordqvist phoned her following the final women’s major of the year. "That phone call was absolutely surreal," Rhodes admitted. "When you crave something as much as I have, and it suddenly materialises, you have to ask yourself, 'Is this really happening?'" She reflected on the tension of the preceding months, "It was a stressful period. I didn’t know what to expect when I got the call.
I was bracing for the worst and had already started to accept that I might miss out. To hear that Anna had chosen me was a huge relief. I just want to make her proud and can’t wait to get out there." Rhodes’ connection to the Solheim Cup runs deep.
In 2019 she participated in the PING Junior Solheim Cup at Gleneagles, and later watched from inside the ropes as Suzann Pettersen secured a dramatic 14.5‑13.5 victory for Europe. "That memory stands out," she said. "They threw a little celebration, invited us in, and it was incredible. Watching the event up close made me think, 'I want to work hard enough to earn a spot on that team and represent Europe.' Representing your continent is the pinnacle of achievement in women’s golf." The three most recent Solheim Cups held in Europe have produced the closest finishes in the competition’s history.
Both 2015 and 2019 were decided by a single point, and the 2023 edition ended in a 14‑14 tie. Rhodes believes Europe has the talent and spirit to tip the scales in their favour this time. "On paper, it doesn’t matter how strong the U.S. team is compared to ours," Rhodes asserted.
"When I was at practice, I felt a great vibe among the Europeans. We’re going to have fun, and that confidence will be intimidating for the opposition." She praised the leadership of captain Anna Nordqvist, "Anna is an amazing captain. I sensed her confidence at practice—she’s a natural leader who will steer us in the right direction and keep the atmosphere positive. She’ll be proud of us no matter what, which eases some pressure, but she’ll also keep us disciplined.
Her words are powerful, and we’re all looking up to her." Rhodes summed up the team’s mission, "We’re going to make Anna proud and bring the trophy home." Fans eager to see whether Europe can reclaim the Solheim Cup can tune in to Sky Sports for live coverage of all three days, from September 11 to 13. The tournament will be streamed on Sky Sports Golf, and viewers can also explore Sky Sports deals or watch golf without a contract via the NOW platform.