Anna Nordqvist could not hide her delight after Team Europe secured the Solheim Cup, praising every participant and explaining why she felt it was an obvious decision to let Charley Hull start the Sunday singles. The European side reclaimed the trophy on a damp final day at Bernardus Golf, clinching seven of the twelve points on offer and edging Team USA 15‑13.
The comeback was especially sweet after the previous evening’s dramatic finish, when Jennifer Kupcho’s late birdies had levelled the competition, only for Europe to rally and earn its first outright victory since 2021. "This win feels amazing!" Nordqvist told Sky Sports, emphasizing the weeks of hard work not only from the players but also from the behind‑the‑scenes staff.
"The support crew has been phenomenal, making everything run smoothly so the golfers could focus on their game. The atmosphere in the camp was fantastic – everyone was a true teammate." She added that the team’s morale was sky‑high as they left the course after the afternoon session.
"When we walked off the green yesterday, we were buzzing for today’s singles. I was genuinely impressed by every player and caddie who stepped up to the first tee, ready to give their best." Nordqvist noted that Europe’s early momentum was crucial.
"We started strong on the board, and that early lead gave us confidence. The course conditions were fast, and the players responded brilliantly, staying aggressive from the first hole right through to the finish.
I’m incredibly proud of how they handled the pressure and kept the intensity high throughout." In the singles, Charley Hull delivered a decisive 6&4 victory over Korda, confirming Nordqvist’s confidence in her. Although Hull had contributed only half a point in the first four sessions, her performance in the singles earned a full point and validated the captain’s choice. "Putting Charley out first was a no‑brainer," Nordqvist explained.
"The statistics from Friday showed that Charley and Lottie Woad were among the top four players for birdies all week. Even though they hadn’t amassed many points earlier, they played the toughest matches and proved their quality when it mattered most." Hull’s match against Megan Khang was a showcase of steadiness. She never fell behind, closing the contest 3&2 and securing her first full point of the tournament. The Englishwoman reflected on her performance, acknowledging the frustration of missed opportunities earlier in the week.
"I’ve given myself many chances and it’s been a bit maddening. I didn’t finish many putts today, but I stayed steady, hit a lot of greens, and managed the weather, which was pretty rough." She also recalled a conversation with vice‑captain Mel Reid, who reminded her of her birdie tally.
"Mel pointed out that I was the third‑most birdie‑rich player this week, and I was up against Yealimi Noh, who had been on fire. It’s match‑play – sometimes you play well but the points don’t come. I’m just happy to have contributed a point, even if it’s only one and a half of the total.
Anything is better than none." Lottie Woad, meanwhile, secured her first Solheim Cup win by defeating Auston Kim, pushing the hosts to 14 points and igniting a wave of celebration among the European contingent. She later paired with Carlota Ciganda, who beat Jennifer Kupcho to seal the victory for Europe. Woad admitted she had felt disappointment earlier in the event, believing she was playing well but not translating that into points.
"The captains reminded me that I was third on birdies, so I knew I was playing solid golf. I just needed to trust that and keep fighting. In the end, I made the winning putt, and that’s what matters." The triumph marked a historic moment: Europe won six of the first eight singles matches, a record for the side and a decisive factor in the overall result.
The win also ended a period of American dominance and set the stage for future contests. The Ladies European Tour will head to Spain next for the La Sella Open at La Sella Golf Resort, while the LPGA takes a brief pause before the Walmart N Arkansas Championship later in the month. Looking ahead, the Solheim Cup returns in 2028 to Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, scheduled for September 8‑10.
Fans can stay updated on the latest Sky Sports offers or stream the action without a contract on NOW. The victory not only adds another chapter to Europe’s growing Solheim legacy but also showcases the depth of talent and resilience within the team, underscoring why Nordqvist’s confidence in Hull and her teammates was well‑founded.