Anna Nordqvist could not hide her delight after Team Europe secured a dramatic victory in the Solheim Cup, praising every participant and explaining why she felt it was obvious to start Charley Hull in the Sunday singles. The event, held at the rain‑soaked Bernardus Golf Club, saw Europe capture seven of the twelve points on the final day, edging the United States 15‑13 for their first outright win since 2021. Nordqvist, who captained the European side, told Sky Sports that the win felt "incredible" after two years of relentless preparation. She highlighted the behind‑the‑scenes work of the support staff, noting that their efforts allowed the players to focus solely on their games.
"The team atmosphere was fantastic all week," she said, adding that the camaraderie among teammates and caddies was evident from the moment they stepped onto the first tee. The momentum shift began the previous afternoon when Jennifer Kupcho’s clutch birdies forced a tie, but Europe responded with a surge that turned the tide in their favour. Nordqvist explained that the early lead on the board was largely due to the players’ aggressive starts and the way the course was set up, which rewarded bold play. "I'm extremely proud of how our players began strongly and then held that intensity to the very end," she remarked.
One of the most talked‑about decisions was the placement of Charley Hull at the top of the singles lineup. Nordqvist described the choice as a "no‑brainer," pointing to the statistics from the first three days. Both Hull and Lottie Woad were among the top four birdie‑makers of the tournament, despite not having amassed many points in the earlier sessions.
"Their match‑play records were tough, but the numbers showed they were hitting the most birdies," Nordqvist explained. She believed that their aggressive play style would set the tone for the rest of the singles matches. Hull lived up to the captain’s confidence, delivering a decisive 3&2 victory over Megan Khang without ever falling behind.
The Englishwoman acknowledged the pressure of needing a point after a difficult week, noting that the weather conditions had been challenging. "I wasn’t sinking a lot of putts, but I kept my composure and hit a lot of greens," Hull said. She also recalled a conversation with vice‑captain Mel Reid, who reminded her that she was one of the top three birdie‑makers for the week, a fact that helped her stay focused. Lottie Woad also broke her personal drought, clinching her first Solheim Cup point by beating Auston Kim and pushing Europe to 14 points.
Her win sparked a wave of celebration among the home crowd, and she later secured the decisive putt that sealed the victory for Europe. Woad admitted she had felt disappointed earlier in the tournament, believing she was playing well but not translating that into points. The captain’s reassurance about her birdie statistics gave her the confidence to trust her game, and it paid off.
The final day saw Europe win six of the first eight singles matches—a historic achievement for the side—before Carlota Ciganda closed out the contest with a win over Jennifer Kupcho. The collective effort underscored the depth of talent on the European roster and the strategic acumen of Nordqvist’s leadership.
Looking ahead, the Ladies European Tour will move to Spain for the La Sella Open at La Sella Golf Resort, while the LPGA Tour takes a brief hiatus 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 showdown between the continents. In summary, Nordqvist’s post‑match comments highlighted the exhaustive preparation, the supportive environment, and the data‑driven decisions that propelled Europe to victory. Her endorsement of Hull’s opening slot was validated by a commanding performance, and Woad’s breakthrough point illustrated how confidence and statistical insight can turn a player’s fortunes around.
The triumph not only restored European pride in the Solheim Cup but also set the stage for future contests, with both tours gearing up for upcoming events and the 2028 Cup already generating excitement among fans worldwide.