Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist predicted that the opening tee of the Solheim Cup would become "the place to be in the golfing world," and her forecast proved spot on as she observed a scene that was unlike anything seen before in women’s golf. The horseshoe‑shaped grandstand that encircles the first tee at Bernardus Golf filled up well before sunrise, with nearly three thousand fans already in place and countless more lining the fairway, turning the early‑morning start into a raucous, party‑like atmosphere. When United States captain Angela Stanford emerged from a tunnel and stepped onto the tee, she was met with a chorus of cheers and even a spontaneous dance. Charley Hull, who had arrived earlier in the week, likened the experience to "entering an arena," noting that the vice‑captains from both sides were doing everything they could to amplify the noise even further.
A large banner reading "Dutch courage, European glory" fluttered above the crowd, a nod to the host nation’s effort to turn the venue into a setting that felt more like a football stadium or a darts tournament than a traditional golf course. Anne van Dam, Nordqvist’s vice‑captain, took the microphone and led the audience in a rendition of "Links Rechts," a song that had become the unofficial anthem for the Dutch football team during the World Cup. The crowd bounced and sang along, creating a kinetic energy that seemed to charge the very air around the first green.
"It doesn’t get better than this," Nordqvist exclaimed, clearly moved by the fervor. "The crowds are amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many Europeans on the first tee." Her observation was echoed by many who watched fans dressed in banana costumes, stars‑and‑stripes outfits, and oversized golf bucket hats all moving in unison at 7:20 a.m. The scene was delightfully chaotic, with dancing and chanting growing louder as the players prepared to tee off.
The stadium‑like chants of "Let’s go Europe, let’s go!" reverberated through the stands just before the classic synth riff of Europe’s "The Final Countdown" blared from the speakers. The opening pairing for Team USA arrived almost ten minutes early, clearly eager to soak up the electric vibe. Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz were soon joined by Charley Hull and rookie Lottie Woad, each arrival punctuated by smoke cannons, roaring applause, and cleverly adapted chants borrowed from other sports.
A large screen displayed a polite "quiet please" message before the first tee shots were taken. In a humorous twist, a version of the Beatles’ "Hey Jude"—re‑written to reference Corpuz—was quickly cut to allow the players a moment of respectful silence as they launched their drives. The celebration did not end with the first putt.
After Lottie Woad recorded a birdie on the opening green, the party continued. Team USA vice‑captain Paula Creamer, sporting a cowboy hat, and fan favorite Megan Khang joined the revelry, showcasing their own dance moves. The crowd sang a parody of Kings of Leon’s "Sex on Fire"—"Ohhhh, Leona Maguire"—and even turned Desmond Dekker’s classic "Israelites" into a chant for Esther Henseleit.
Fans recalled the chant "Europe’s on fire, USA is terrified" that had become a staple during last year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. This time a Maguire‑specific version echoed through the venue, honoring the Irishwoman’s impressive winning record in Solheim Cup play.
Only one European player with prior Solheim experience, Carlota Ciganda, sat out the opening session, but she kept the spirit alive by wearing a Solheim Cup beanie and encouraging the newcomers to enjoy every moment. She danced alongside the rookies to every song, linking arms during "It’s Raining Men" and breaking into a Vengaboys hit, her smile never fading.
The positive energy radiated through the European camp. Maja Stark and Linn Grant sprinted out to the crowd, swaying to ABBA’s karaoke favorite "Dancing Queen" as they awaited their matches. Dame Laura Davies, a twelve‑time Solheim Cup veteran, praised the fans, saying, "These people absolutely make it for the players.
Without these brilliant fans, it’s just not the same." A playful chant to the tune of "Baby Shark"—"Maja Stark, doo‑doo, doo‑doo, doo‑doo"—caught on, providing an earworm that, while unnecessary, perfectly matched Stark’s name. Buoyed by the enthusiastic supporters, Stark and Grant secured Europe’s first point of the competition. Mid‑day weather shifted from bright sunshine to a light, persistent drizzle, but the rain did little to dampen the spirits.
Galleries remained packed along the fairways, watching a tightly contested opening session that left the teams dead‑locked at two points each. After her win, Leona Maguire reflected on the crowd’s impact: "We had incredible support out here. They were really spurring us on, especially when the weather got bad and miserable. It was that extra little bit we needed to grind it out." The noise level peaked during the afternoon session, prompting former major champion Karen Stupples to describe the spectators as "insane." If the quality of golf matches the intensity of the atmosphere, the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup could become one of the most memorable in its history.
Who will ultimately lift the Solheim Cup? Fans can follow Team Europe’s quest to reclaim the trophy live on Sky Sports, with all three days broadcast on Sky Sports Golf.
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