Charley Hull has been thrust into another marquee confrontation, this time against world No. 1 Nelly Korda, as the opening match of this year’s Solheim Cup unfolds on Dutch soil. Hull, currently ranked eighth in the world, is marking her eighth straight appearance for Team Europe and will lead the home side out at Bernardus Golf alongside fellow Englishwoman Lottie Woad.
Woad is one of four newcomers on Anna Nordqvist’s squad, and the pair will face the unbeaten American tandem of Korda and Allisen Corpuz in the Friday morning foursomes. The American duo have been virtually untouchable in this format, having captured all four foursomes matches they have played together over the past two Solheim Cups. Their chemistry and confidence will be on full display when they tee off at 7:40 a.m.
local time (6:40 a.m. BST). The United States are keen to retain the Cup and to secure a historic victory on European ground – their first since the 2015 edition. In the second morning match, former U.S.
champion Alison Lee, the sole player who featured in the American away win in Germany, will partner Lauren Coughlin. They will take on European stalwart Céline Boutier and Denmark’s experienced Nanna Koerstz Madsen. The third match pits Esther Henseleit, who was paired with Hull in the 2024 foursomes, alongside Leona Maguire. They will battle Andrea Lee and rookie Lindy Duncan.
Finally, Sweden’s dynamic pair Maja Stark and Linn Grant will face the formidable American team of Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho. The detailed tee‑times are as follows: 06:40 Charley Hull & Lottie Woad vs Allisen Corpuz & Nelly Korda 06:52 Nanna Koerstz Madsen & Céline Boutier vs Alison Lee & Lauren Coughlin 07:04 Esther Henseleit & Leona Maguire vs Andrea Lee & Lindy Duncan 07:16 Maja Stark & Linn Grant vs Rose Zhang & Jennifer Kupcho Woad is the only rookie to be sent out by Nordqvist in the opening morning, a clear signal that Europe wants a more aggressive start than the tentative openings they have produced in the last two Solheim Cups. In 2023, Team USA swept the first session of a 14‑14 tie, and in 2024 they built a 3‑1 lead that ultimately delivered a home victory.
Historically, Europe has struggled to lead after the first morning of the previous six Cups, so the pressure is on. Team USA captain Angela Stanford defended her decision to lead with Korda and Corpuz, noting their rapport and proven record. "They have a nice rapport about them, so I felt like they earned the right to go out first," Stanford said.
"If I didn’t put those two out, I would have been questioned. The whole world knew they were coming." Hull, who topped Europe’s scoring in the 2024 loss and beat Korda 6&4 in their Sunday singles clash, is expected to be a pivotal figure for the host nation this week. At 30, she brings experience and a competitive edge that should complement Woad’s fresh energy.
Nordqvist highlighted Hull’s growth, saying, "Over the years the Solheim Cup has really grown on her. She’s been buzzing and excited since she arrived on Monday.
She and Lottie have played quite a bit on the LPGA Tour this year, so they were thrilled to be together here." Several other European players sit out the opening session. Rookies Mimi Rhodes, Nastasia Nadaud and Julia Lopez Ramirez are rested, as is veteran Carlota Ciganda in her eighth consecutive Cup appearance. Angel Yin, a two‑time LPGA winner who has struggled with fitness, is also omitted from the morning but remains available for later rounds. On the American side, debutants Auston Kim, Megan Khang and Yealimi Noh are benched for the first session, adhering to the captain’s rule that every player must appear at least once in the first two days.
For those unfamiliar with the foursomes format, it involves two golfers from the same team playing a single ball alternately. One player tees off on odd-numbered holes, the other on even-numbered holes, and they continue to alternate shots until the ball is holed. Each match is worth one point, and the first team to reach 14½ points wins the Cup, while the defending champions need 14 points to retain it. Sky Sports Golf will broadcast at least 12 hours of live coverage across the first two days, beginning at 6 a.m.
on Friday and Saturday. The opening foursomes will start at 6:40 a.m.
local time (7:40 a.m. CET). The afternoon four‑ball sessions are scheduled for 12:05 p.m. (1:05 p.m.
CET) on both days, and the final singles on Sunday will kick off at 9 a.m., with the first tee shot at 10:10 a.m. Fans eager to see whether Europe can reclaim the Solheim Cup can watch the entire three‑day event live on Sky Sports, with additional streaming options available via NOW. The competition promises high drama, intense rivalry, and the chance for emerging talent like Woad and the American rookies to make their mark on one of golf’s most prestigious team events.