Team USA managed to repel a dramatic final‑day rally from Team Europe and held onto the Junior Soliman Cup, edging out the visitors 13‑11 in a tightly contested showdown on Dutch soil. After a commanding performance on the first day, Morgan Pressel’s side entered Tuesday’s singles at Bernardus Golf with a comfortable seven‑point cushion, meaning they needed just 2.5 points to keep the trophy and three points to win it outright. That target mirrored the pressure Europe faced in last year’s Ryder Cup, when the European squad clung to a narrow win, and it proved just as nerve‑wracking for the young Americans as Anne van Dam’s Europeans pressed for a historic comeback. On Sunday, Europe captured 8.5 of the 12 points on offer, sparking hopes of a miraculous turnaround.
England’s Annabel Peaford kicked off the day with a thrilling 1‑up win over world No. 1 Asterisk Talley, clinching three of the last four holes in a dramatic fashion. Despite that early spark, the European side eventually suffered its second straight defeat in the competition. Pressel praised her squad, noting, "It’s easy to coach a team this insanely talented.
They are also so clutch in the biggest moments. It was so fun to watch both sides and they all showed so much heart." The prospect of a home‑soil comeback seemed to fade when Eliana Saga dispatched Adriana Garcia Terol 4&3 and Madeleine Conser beat Lana Guyot 5&4, narrowing the gap to just half a point away from retaining the cup.
Talley appeared poised to secure the first point for the United States when she led 2‑up with four holes left, but Peaford answered with a par on the 15th, a birdie on the 16th, and then won the next two holes to snatch a remarkable victory for Europe. Lauren Crump fought off Amber Lee 3&2, while Anna Ludvova surged ahead by winning three consecutive holes around the turn, ultimately finishing 2&1 over Grace Carter.
Lena Geier also delivered a clutch performance, winning on the final hole against Aubrey Hilgers to add another point to Europe’s tally. Sofia Maier‑Borst and Axelle Guillemard each defeated Amélie Zalsman and Honorine Ferry respectively, keeping alive the faint hope of a European upset. The decisive moment arrived when Kelly Zhang secured the winning point for the United States with a 2‑up victory over Carolina Perez‑Tasso. Carlota Lopez Minguela followed with a 3&2 win over Iris Lee, and Marta Muñoz birdied the penultimate hole to tie Anna Fang, further extending the margin.
Even as Alice Kong clinched a final‑hole win over Lily Peng for Europe, the overall score remained in America’s favor. Van Dam reflected on the effort, saying, "I’m so proud and I could not have asked them for any more today. It’s tough. The US team are incredible, but the girls know they gave their all and that’s why they are still smiling tonight." The match demonstrated the depth of talent on both sides and highlighted the mental fortitude required in match‑play formats.
Sky Sports Golf provided extensive coverage of the event, broadcasting more than 12 hours of live action across the first two days. Coverage began at 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, leading up to the opening foursomes tee‑off at 6:40 a.m.
(7:40 a.m. local time).
The afternoon four‑ball sessions started at 12:05 p.m. (1:05 p.m.
local time) each day, with commentary continuing through the final putt. Sunday’s singles matches were televised from 9 a.m., with the first tee‑shot at 10:10 a.m.
Sky Sports+ streamed the closing ceremony live from 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, following the crowning of the Junior Solheim Cup champions. The opening ceremony on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
introduced the first‑day pairings. Golf fans eager to follow Europe’s quest to reclaim the trophy can watch the entire three‑day event, September 11‑13, live on Sky Sports Golf. Those without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or stream golf without a contract via NOW. For readers interested in playing the sport themselves, the article also offers a link to book tee times at any of the 1,700 courses across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
By entering a course name, city, or postal code, golfers can find the best prices and secure a round at a nearby venue. This feature underscores the broader appeal of golf, inviting both casual fans and aspiring players to experience the game on the very courses that host elite competitions like the Junior Solheim Cup.