Team Europe has once again captured the Solheim Cup, edging out Team USA 15‑13 after a dramatic singles day on the rain‑slick fairways of Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands. Entering the final day with the teams dead‑locked at 8‑8, Europe needed just 6.5 points from the twelve singles matches to secure victory, a goal they achieved through a blend of steady play, clutch performances, and a few spectacular comebacks.
The morning began with Charley Hull setting the tone for the Europeans. Hull, who opened the singles with a decisive 3&2 win over Megan Khang, gave Europe an early lead and a psychological boost.
Her win was the first point of the day and signalled that the Europeans were intent on finishing the job they had started two years earlier when they fell short to the United States. Swedish veteran Anna Nordqvist, who captained the side, watched as her team briefly took the lead in eight of the twelve matches.
Linn Grant, fresh from a flawless week, added another point by beating Angel Yin 4&3, completing a perfect 4‑0‑0 record for the day. Grant’s victory marked her as only the ninth player in Solheim Cup history to finish a singles session without dropping a point. The United States, however, kept the contest alive. Alison Lee produced a memorable comeback, erasing a four‑hole deficit to defeat Germany’s Esther Henseleit 1‑up.
Lee’s resilience echoed the fighting spirit of the American side and kept the score tight as the day progressed. World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who had been a dominant force throughout the tournament, managed to level the match against rookie Mimi Rhodes with a 4&3 win. Her point was crucial for the Americans, but Europe continued to pile on points through the contributions of newcomers and seasoned campaigners alike.
Frenchwoman Nastasia Nadaud secured a 3&2 victory over Andrea Lee, while Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen beat Allisen Corpuz, and Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramírez defeated Yealimi Noh, each adding valuable points to the European tally. Lottie Woad, playing on home soil, rallied after a shaky start to defeat South Korea’s Auston Kim.
Her win pushed the European total to fourteen points and sparked celebrations among the crowd and the team. The atmosphere was electric as the Europeans sensed the victory within reach.
Veteran Spanish captain Carlota Ciganda, who had already guaranteed at least a half‑point, sealed the triumph by beating defending champion Jennifer Kupcho, confirming a 15‑13 final score. The singles matches were not just about raw skill; weather played a significant role. Early rain made the greens slower and the fairways softer, testing the players’ adaptability.
Lee noted how the front nine was “pretty tough with the rain coming down,” yet she managed to stay consistent and capitalize when conditions improved. Hull, who had previously thrashed Korda 6&4 in the 2022 singles, praised her own steady play, saying she focused on hitting greens and limiting mistakes rather than chasing birdies. Ciganda reflected on the team’s chemistry, describing it as “one of the best teams we’ve had in the last few years.” Her confidence in the group’s cohesion was evident as she built an early lead against Kupcho and never looked back, delivering the decisive point for Europe. The United States also saw notable performances from its newer members.
Rookie Lindy Duncan broke Maja Stark’s perfect record, while Lauren Coughlin handed Leona Maguire her first Solheim singles loss, narrowing the margin. Rose Zhang’s 2‑up win over Celine Boutier added a final point for the Americans, but it was insufficient to overturn Europe’s lead. Captains Nordqvist and Stanford offered thoughtful post‑match remarks. Nordqvist highlighted the extensive preparation and support staff, stating, “There’s just been so much hard work this week and in the last two years leading up to this… I’m really, really proud of the players for starting strong and even finishing strong.” Stanford acknowledged the Europeans’ tenacity, noting, “Their backs were against the wall, they had nothing to lose, and that’s exactly what they did.
They came out and played well, so good for them.” Looking ahead, the Ladies European Tour will head to Spain for the La Sella Open, while the LPGA Tour pauses before the Walmart N Arkansas Championship in late September. The next Solheim Cup is scheduled for 2028 at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, promising another chapter in this transatlantic rivalry. Fans can follow upcoming events, stream matches, and book tee times at thousands of courses across the UK and Ireland, ensuring the excitement of women’s golf continues year round.