The 20th Solheim Cup is underway at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, where Team Europe is playing host to the defending champions, Team USA. This three‑day showdown pits the two elite women’s golf teams against each other across five distinct sessions, with a total of 28 points available.
The format includes four foursomes matches and four four‑ball matches on both Friday and Saturday, followed by a full slate of 24 singles matches on Sunday. The first side to amass at least 14.5 points claims the Cup, while the United States, as the reigning holders, need 14 points to retain the trophy. **Schedule Overview** The competition kicks off with an opening ceremony on Thursday at 4:00 p.m.
(local time), streamed live on Sky Sports+. During this ceremony the pairings for the first day are revealed.
Live television coverage begins early the next morning, with Sky Sports Golf broadcasting from 6:00 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
The first foursomes match tees off at 6:40 a.m. (7:40 a.m. local time), and the afternoon four‑ball sessions start at 12:05 p.m.
(1:05 p.m. local time). Sunday’s singles competition begins with a 9:00 a.m.
kickoff and the opening tee shot at 10:10 a.m., concluding with a closing ceremony at 5:30 p.m. that crowns the victorious team. **Team USA** Team USA is captained by former tour star Angela Stanford, who is eager to guide her squad to their first victory on foreign soil since 2015. The American roster blends automatic qualifiers and captain’s selections.
Automatic qualifiers from the LPGA Solheim Cup points rankings include Nelly Korda, Angel Yin, Jennifer Kupcho, Yealimi Noh, Auston Kim, Lauren Coughlin, and Allisen Corpuz. From the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, Alison Lee and Andrea Lee also earned automatic spots. The captain’s picks add depth and experience: Lindy Duncan, Megan Khang, and rising star Rose Zhang.
Supporting Stanford are vice‑captains Kristy McPherson, Paula Creamer, and Brittany Lang, who provide strategic insight and mentorship. **Team Europe** Team Europe is led by skipper Anna Nordqvist, who hopes to bring the Cup back to the continent after three consecutive defeats on home soil, each lost by a margin of a single point or less. Europe’s automatic qualifiers come from two sources.
From the Ladies European Tour (LET) Solheim Cup points list, Charley Hull of England and Esther Henseleit of Germany secured their places. The Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings contributed a strong contingent: Lottie Woad (England), Maja Stark (Sweden), Celine Boutier (France), Carlota Ciganda (Spain), Linn Grant (Sweden), and Nanna Koerstz Madsen (Denmark).
Captain’s picks round out the squad with Leona Maguire (Ireland), Julia Lopez Ramirez (Spain), Nastasia Nadaud (France), and Mimi Rhodes (England). The European vice‑captains—Caroline Hedwall (Germany), Mel Reid (England), and Anne van Dam (Netherlands)—assist Nordqvist with player pairings and on‑course decisions. **Live Coverage and Viewing Tips** Sky Sports Golf promises at least twelve hours of live action across the first two days, ensuring fans can follow every match from the early morning tee times through the afternoon finishes. For the best viewing experience, especially when accessing the video player, the broadcaster recommends using the Chrome browser.
The network also offers a streaming option on NOW TV with no contract required, making it easy for viewers to catch the entire tournament from September 11‑13. **Key Match Times** - Friday & Saturday foursomes: 6:40 a.m. (local 7:40 a.m.) - Friday & Saturday four‑ball: 12:05 p.m. (local 1:05 p.m.) - Sunday singles start: 9:00 a.m., first tee at 10:10 a.m.
- Closing ceremony: 5:30 p.m. on Sunday **Understanding the Points System** Each match—whether foursomes, four‑ball, or singles—carries one point.
If a match is tied after 18 holes, each side receives half a point. With 28 points on the line, the magic number to win outright is 14.5. However, because the United States are the defending champions, they only need 14 points to retain the Cup, while Europe must reach 14.5 to capture it. **Historical Context** The Solheim Cup, modeled after the men’s Ryder Cup, has grown into one of women’s golf’s premier events since its inception in 1990.
The rivalry between Europe and the United States has produced dramatic swings in momentum, memorable comebacks, and intense national pride. The last three editions held in Europe were decided by razor‑thin margins, underscoring how closely matched the teams have become.
This year’s venue, Bernardus Golf, offers a challenging links‑style layout that tests precision, strategy, and teamwork. **What to Expect** Spectators can anticipate tightly contested matches, especially in the early foursomes where teamwork is paramount. The four‑ball format typically yields more birdies, as players can take aggressive lines knowing their partner can cover. Sunday’s singles will be the ultimate test of individual skill and mental fortitude, often producing the most thrilling finishes.
With both captains employing strategic pairings—mixing seasoned veterans with hungry newcomers—the competition promises a blend of experience and fresh talent. **How to Follow the Action** Fans should tune into Sky Sports Golf for live coverage, with additional highlights and analysis available on the network’s digital platforms. For those without a Sky subscription, NOW TV offers a contract‑free streaming option. The official Solheim Cup website also provides real‑time scores, player statistics, and post‑match interviews.
In summary, the 20th Solheim Cup delivers a packed schedule, star‑studded line‑ups, and the high stakes of a coveted international trophy. Whether you are rooting for Team Europe’s quest to reclaim the Cup or hoping Team USA can defend their title on foreign soil, the tournament promises world‑class golf, dramatic moments, and a showcase of the sport’s finest talent.