Team Europe’s captain, Anna Nordqvist, was swift to refute the notion that the Bernardus Golf course was deliberately arranged to favor the home side during the Solheim Cup. After a tightly contested battle, Europe edged out the United States with a 15‑13 overall win, clinching the decisive points in the final singles matches held on Sunday in the Netherlands. The competition had been dead‑locked at 8‑8 after the first two days of play, but USA captain Angela Stanford voiced concerns that her squad was disadvantaged by the slower greens throughout the event.
Speaking at the post‑tournament press conference, Stanford remarked, "Europe played well. I don’t think we played badly; we simply didn’t convert enough putts. If you listen to everything I’ve ever said, Europeans always putt better.
I still don’t know why. I have a theory, but I’m not ready to share it now.
Apparently I didn’t get to know the superintendent as well as I should have." When pressed about whether she was referring to green speeds that differed from her expectations, Stanford added, "Even when we arrived in July, the greens were faster. I don’t think the rain was a factor either.
Ultimately, it’s my responsibility to prepare the team. The one thing I’m kicking myself for is not pushing harder on the putting drills.
We needed to learn how to strike the ball a little harder on the greens, which is a tough adjustment. I’m frustrated that I didn’t emphasize that point enough." Nordqvist appeared mildly surprised by the implication that the course setup was a covert dig at the American players.
"We’re in Europe in September, and we know how the weather can behave," she said. "I’m not convinced the course was tailored for Europe. These ladies compete on the same venues week after week.
We arrived in July during a hot, dry spell, so the course played a bit differently then. Lately it’s been raining heavily, and this week we saw a lot of precipitation, which softened the fairways and greens. The conditions we faced were simply a product of the weather, not a deliberate attempt to favor anyone." The Americans had a dramatic moment on Saturday evening when Jennifer Kupcho sank two clutch putts to secure a late win for the visitors, bringing the overall tally to an even 8‑8 instead of trailing 9‑7 heading into the final day. Stanford dismissed any suggestion that the team’s emotional high had arrived too soon.
"It’s tricky because you never want to dampen that momentum," she explained. "The worst thing I could do would be to tell them to pull back from that high.
Those moments are priceless, and we’ll never get them again. The players handled the situation well, and after talking with Kupcho and the rest of the team, they acknowledged they were rested but needed a minute to settle after such an intense finish." Looking ahead, the Ladies European Tour will shift to Spain for the La Sella Open, which kicks off on Thursday at La Sella Golf Resort. Meanwhile, the LPGA Tour will take a brief hiatus before resuming with the Walmart N Arkansas Championship from September 25‑27. The next Solheim Cup is slated for 2028 at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, scheduled for September 8‑10.
The controversy over green speed highlights a broader conversation in professional golf about course preparation and fairness. Green speed is measured by the Stimpmeter, a device that quantifies how fast a ball rolls on a putting surface. In major championships, organizers often adjust the speed to challenge the field, but discrepancies can arise when teams travel to unfamiliar climates.
In Europe, cooler temperatures and higher humidity can slow greens, while warm, dry conditions tend to speed them up. Players must adapt their putting stroke, grip pressure, and aim accordingly. Stanford’s comments also underscore the importance of pre‑tournament reconnaissance.
Captains typically meet with the course superintendent to discuss maintenance plans, mowing schedules, and irrigation strategies. By establishing a rapport, they can anticipate how the greens will behave and tailor practice sessions. Stanford admitted she could have built a stronger relationship with the grounds crew, a lapse she believes may have contributed to the team’s struggles on the putting surfaces.
From Nordqvist’s perspective, the European side emphasized adaptability. She noted that the team arrived during a scorching summer, which made the course firmer and faster.
Subsequent rain softened the terrain, altering the bounce and roll of the ball. Such fluctuations are part of the sport’s charm, demanding that players remain flexible and responsive. Ultimately, the Solheim Cup concluded with Europe retaining the trophy, a testament to the depth of talent and resilience on both sides. While the debate over green speed may linger, the event showcased high‑level competition, sportsmanship, and the enduring rivalry between the continents.
As fans look forward to the next edition in Kentucky, both captains will likely prioritize thorough ground‑staff communication and strategic practice to ensure that the playing field remains as even as possible, regardless of weather whims or course conditions.