Mimi Rhodes is savoring the opportunity to live out a childhood ambition at the Solheim Cup, and she is firmly backing Anna Nordqvist to guide Team Europe to victory on Dutch soil. This week marks Rhodes' first appearance in the Solheim Cup, representing Europe at Bernardus Golf after being selected as one of Nordqvist’s captain’s picks last month. The European squad is eager to reclaim the trophy following their loss to the United States in 2024. The English golfer enjoyed a distinguished amateur career before bursting onto the professional scene with three wins during her rookie season on the Ladies European Tour last year.
Building on a promising start to her LPGA Tour campaign, Rhodes now aims to achieve a lifelong goal: wearing the European colors in the sport’s most prestigious team event. "For me, it’s 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 sports. Those memories are vivid – the excitement, the camaraderie, the pride of seeing Europe compete as a unit. The event only comes around every two years, so it’s hard to put into words how surreal it feels to actually be on the field.
"Representing Europe has always been my number‑one dream, even more than winning a major championship. It’s the ultimate honor for me, and I can’t wait to give everything I have for the team." Rhodes entered the season with consecutive top‑10 finishes, but a difficult stretch from April to July saw her miss seven cuts in eight tournaments, causing her to worry about her chances of earning a captain’s pick. She turned the tide with solid performances at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open and the AIG Women’s Open, while many of her rivals faltered in the qualification race. The final call came from Nordqvist herself, who rang Rhodes after the season‑ending women’s major to deliver the news.
"That phone call was absolutely surreal," Rhodes recalled. "When you’ve chased something for so long and it finally arrives, you’re left thinking, ‘Is this really happening?’ The months leading up to that moment were stressful – I didn’t know what to expect.
I’d prepared for the worst, but when Anna chose me, I felt an immense wave of relief and joy. I just want to make her proud and give my all on the course." Rhodes first experienced the Solheim Cup atmosphere in 2019 as a participant in the PING Junior Solheim Cup at Gleneagles. She later watched the senior competition from inside the ropes as Suzann Pettersen secured a dramatic 14.5‑13.5 victory for Europe.
"That was an unforgettable memory," she said. "After the match they threw a little celebration and invited us in – it was incredible. Standing there, I thought, ‘I want to work hard enough to earn a spot on that team and represent Europe.’ To me, representing your continent is the pinnacle of achievement in women’s golf." The last three Solheim Cups held on European soil have produced the closest finishes in the event’s history. Both 2015 and 2019 were decided by a single point, while the 2023 edition ended in a 14‑14 tie, underscoring how tightly contested the competition can be.
Rhodes is confident that Europe can once again emerge victorious and bring the trophy back to the continent. "On paper, the strength of the U.S. team doesn’t matter as much as the belief we have in ourselves," Rhodes asserted.
"During practice, I could feel the positive energy among our group, and that confidence will be intimidating for the opposition." She also praised Nordqvist’s leadership, noting the captain’s calm yet motivating presence during practice sessions. "Anna radiates confidence and leadership.
She knows how to get the best out of each player, and I trust her judgment completely. Her words inspire us, and we know she’ll keep us focused while also allowing us to enjoy the experience. We want to make her proud and bring the Cup home." Looking ahead, Rhodes emphasizes the importance of teamwork, preparation, and embracing the moment.
She plans to lean on the support of her teammates, draw from her recent successes on the LPGA and LET, and stay mentally resilient throughout the three‑day showdown. The Solheim Cup will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with all three days – September 11, 12 and 13 – available on Sky Sports Golf.
Fans can also catch the action via NOW, which offers streaming without a contract. As the European contingent prepares to battle for the title, Rhodes’ dream has finally materialized, and she is determined to help turn that dream into a triumph for Europe.