Team Europe’s captain, Anna Nordqvist, predicted that the opening tee of the Solheim Cup would become the focal point of the golfing world – a forecast that proved spot‑on as she watched a scene unlike any other in women’s golf unfold before her eyes. The horseshoe‑shaped grandstand that encircles the first tee at Bernardus Golf was already brimming with fans well before sunrise. Nearly three thousand spectators had filled the seats, and countless more lined the fairway, turning the area into a lively, carnival‑like arena of noise, cheers, and palpable excitement.
When United States captain Angela Stanford emerged from the tunnel onto the tee, she broke into a spontaneous dance. Charley Hull, who had visited the venue earlier in the week, likened the experience to "walking into an arena" – a sentiment echoed by the vice‑captains on both sides, who did everything they could to amplify the already deafening atmosphere. A bold banner fluttered above the crowd reading "Dutch courage, European glory," a nod to the host nation’s effort to turn the tee into a setting that felt more like a football stadium or a darts hall than a traditional golf course.
Nordqvist’s vice‑captain, Anne van Dam, seized the microphone and led the audience in "Links Rechts," a chant that had become the unofficial anthem of the Dutch football team during the World Cup, complete with rhythmic bouncing that sent waves of energy through the stands. "It doesn’t get better than this," Nordqvist exclaimed, beaming at the sea of supporters. "The crowds are amazing.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many Europeans gathered at the first tee." Fans dressed in banana costumes, stars‑and‑stripes suits, and oversized golf bucket hats surged forward at 7:20 a.m., creating a "brilliantly bonkers" tableau of color and movement. The dancing and singing only intensified as the first matches drew nearer. "Let’s go Europe, let’s go!" the crowd roared, just before Europe’s classic "Final Countdown" blared from the speakers.
The United States’ star‑studded opening pair arrived almost ten minutes early, eager to soak up the electric vibe. Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz were quickly joined by Charley Hull and rookie Lottie Woad. Each arrival was marked by a burst of smoke cannons, thunderous applause, and cleverly adapted chants that borrowed from other sports, adding a playful, cross‑cultural flavor to the proceedings.
A large screen displayed a polite "quiet please" notice before the first tee shots. In a humorous twist, a version of the Beatles’ "Hey Jude" – re‑written to reference Corpuz – was cut short so the players could focus on their drives without distraction.
The celebration did not wane after Woad holed an opening birdie on the first green. Team USA vice‑captain Paula Creamer, sporting a cowboy hat, and fan favourite Megan Khang joined the impromptu dance floor, showing that the party was far from over. Fans shouted a raucous "Ohhhh, Leona Maguire" to the tune of Kings of Leon’s "Sex on Fire," while another chant transformed Desmond Dekker’s "Israelites" into a tribute to Esther Henseleit.
The tradition of adapting popular songs continued, recalling the "Europe’s on fire, USA is terrified" chant that echoed through last year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, now re‑imagined to celebrate Irish star Leona Maguire, one of the most successful Solheim Cup competitors in history. Only one European player with prior Solheim experience, Carlota Ciganda, sat out the opening session.
Yet even from the sidelines she wore a Solheim Cup beanie and encouraged the newcomers to savor every moment of the week. She danced alongside the rookies to every track – from "It’s Raining Men" to a Vengaboys hit – never losing her grin. The upbeat energy spread through the European camp. Maja Stark and Linn Grant sprinted to the crowd, swaying to ABBA’s karaoke classic "Dancing Queen" as they awaited their match.
Veteran twelve‑time Solheim participant Dame Laura Davies summed it up: "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" – quickly became an earworm, buoying Stark and Grant as they secured Europe’s first point of the competition.
Mid‑morning sunshine gave way to a light, persistent drizzle, but the rain did nothing to dampen 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 praised the crowd: "We had incredible support out here. They were really spurring us on, especially when the weather turned bad and miserable. It was that extra little bit we needed to grind it out." The afternoon session saw the noise levels climb even higher.
Former major champion Karen Stupples described the spectators as "insane," noting that the fervor rivaled any major championship atmosphere she had ever witnessed. If the quality of play matches the enthusiasm of the fans, the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup could become one of the most memorable in its history. The unique blend of music, costume, and unabashed enthusiasm has turned the first tee into a cultural showcase as much as a sporting venue.
Organisers have deliberately borrowed elements from football, darts, and even pop‑culture concerts to create an inclusive, high‑energy environment that invites fans of all ages to participate. This approach reflects a broader trend in golf to make events more accessible and entertaining, breaking down the stereotype of the sport as quiet and reserved. Looking ahead, the question on everyone’s mind is which side will ultimately claim the trophy. Fans can follow Team Europe’s quest to reclaim the Solheim Cup live on Sky Sports, with all three days broadcast on Sky Sports Golf.
For those without a contract, streaming options are available through NOW, offering flexible viewing for a global audience eager to witness what promises to be a historic showdown.