Team USA arrives in the Netherlands with a clear mission: to shake off the sting of previous near‑misses in overseas Solheim Cups and to hold onto the trophy on foreign ground this week, a contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Led by captain Angela Stanford, the American squad steps onto the fairways of Bernardus Golf as the defending champions after a 15.5‑12.5 victory over Europe in Virginia two years earlier. That win set the stage for a potential back‑to‑back triumph – a feat the United States has not achieved since the 2017 edition of the event.
Historically, the last time the U.S. captured the Solheim Cup in Europe was eleven years ago, when a dramatic final‑day rally erased a 10‑6 deficit and secured a one‑point win in Germany. Since then, the Americans have fallen agonisingly short in the two most recent overseas contests.
In 2019 at Gleneagles, a single putt by Sweden’s Suzann Pettersen in the singles matches handed Europe a one‑point victory. Two years later, at Finca Cortesin in Spain, the United States surrendered a commanding lead after the first day and finished tied 14‑14, allowing Europe to retain the cup on home soil. "Winning on foreign soil is always a challenge," said Andrea Lee during a pre‑tournament press conference.
"We played very well last time in Spain and came within a whisker of taking the Cup. It was heartbreaking to end in a tie and see Europe keep the trophy, but many of us from that team are back this week. We’re extremely motivated to protect the Solheim Cup and prove we can win abroad again." The American contingent travelled together – players, caddies and support staff – from Atlanta to the Netherlands on Saturday, spending the following day sightseeing in Amsterdam before turning their full attention to Solheim Cup preparations.
The team’s attention to detail extends to the visual side of the camp: the clothing and bag designs echo past overseas successes, such as the 2007 triumph in Sweden and the 2015 victory in Germany. Alison Lee added, "The format of this competition seems to bring out a fire in the European players – they play spectacular golf and are fierce competitors. That’s something we’re preparing for.
Of course, coming to Europe means dealing with rain and wind, conditions we don’t often face at home. We know that if we give our best, play solid golf and develop good chemistry, we have a strong chance this year." Andrea Lee emphasized the stakes: "If we win this week, it will be the fourth time the United States has captured the Solheim Cup on foreign soil. We’re all determined to keep that streak alive." Recent Solheim Cups have been tightly contested. The combined margin of victory in the last four editions is just six points, a stark contrast to the 24‑point swing that has characterized the most recent Ryder Cups.
This narrowness underscores how difficult it has been for Team USA to close out matches when playing away from home. World No. 1 Nelly Korda reflected on the 2023 edition in Spain: "We were so close – we tied with Europe, which meant they retained the Cup. At Gleneagles we played well, but momentum never really shifted in our favour while we were in Europe.
Our captain, Ang [Stanford], and the assistants have been telling us to rely on each other. When things get tough, we have to remember we’re here for one another and that we have a huge support network behind us." Angel Yin echoed similar sentiments about the thin margins: "It’s always down to the final putt when we can’t close out a win. We always put up a strong fight, even though the environment is unfamiliar. I think we’re learning a lot from these experiences." Europe’s team room has been buzzing with off‑course activities – ping‑pong, darts and even a quiz featuring baby photos of the caddies – creating a relaxed atmosphere that contrasts with the intensity on the course.
The Swedish side, captained by Annika Sorenstam, features a youthful roster with four rookies and a squad that has never experienced a home Solheim Cup. Veteran Charley Hull, now on her eighth consecutive appearance, remains a cornerstone of the European effort.
Hull commented on the pressure dynamics: "When you’re away, there’s actually less pressure. We get big crowds at both venues, but the expectations feel higher at home. The crowd energy in Europe is massive, and that adds an extra layer of pressure for us." Only Carlota Ciganda matches Hull’s number of Solheim Cup appearances, having competed for both Europe and the United States over her career.
Ciganda expressed a personal motivation to win for her teammate Johanna Nordqvist, who announced her retirement from the LPGA Tour and hopes to cap her career with a European victory. "I would love to win for her, especially now that she’s retiring. It would be a wonderful gift.
She’s won everything – majors, Solheim Cups, countless putts. She’s prepared, she’s worked hard, and we hope to deliver a win for her." Sky Sports Golf will provide extensive coverage, with at least twelve hours of live broadcast over the first two days. Coverage begins at 6 am on Friday and Saturday, leading up to the opening foursomes matches at 6:40 am (7:40 am local time). The afternoon four‑ball sessions start at 12:05 pm (1:05 pm local time) on both days, and the schedule continues through the final putt on Sunday.
Sunday’s singles competition will kick off at 9 am, with the first tee shot at 10:10 am. Sky Sports+ will stream the closing ceremony at 5:30 pm on Sunday, following the crowning of the Solheim Cup champion, while the opening ceremony on Thursday at 4:30 pm will reveal the day‑one pairings.
Fans can watch Team Europe’s attempt to reclaim the trophy, as well as Team USA’s bid to defend it, live on Sky Sports from September 11‑13. For those interested in playing the sport themselves, Sky Sports offers deals on golf courses across the UK and Ireland, with access to over 1,700 venues.
In summary, the American squad is entering the 2026 Solheim Cup with a blend of determination, experience, and a renewed focus on teamwork after painful near‑wins in recent overseas editions. Their opponents, a youthful yet seasoned European side, are eager to harness home‑field advantage and the support of a passionate crowd.
The stage is set for a tightly contested battle that could hinge on a few pivotal putts, strategic pairings, and the ability of both teams to adapt to the unpredictable weather that European courses are known for. The outcome will not only determine who lifts the Solheim Cup this year but also shape the narrative of future transatlantic rivalries in women’s golf.