Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist predicted that the opening tee of the Solheim Cup would become "the place to be in the golfing world," and her forecast proved spot on as she watched a spectacle that dwarfed anything previously seen in women’s golf. The horseshoe‑shaped grandstand that encircles the first tee at Bernardus Golf filled up well before sunrise, with almost 3,000 fans already in place and countless more lining the fairway. The scene resembled a raucous concert more than a traditional golf tournament, with a carnival‑like buzz that amplified the excitement for everyone present.
When United States captain Angela Stanford emerged from a tunnel and stepped onto the tee, she did so with a dance that set the tone for the day. Charley Hull earlier described the experience as "entering an arena," and the vice‑captains from both sides added their own megaphone‑level cheers, pushing the noise level even higher. A banner that read "Dutch courage, European glory" fluttered above the crowd, underscoring the host nation’s commitment to turning the opening into a full‑blown party that felt more akin to a football stadium or a darts championship than a quiet golf course. Anne van Dam, Nordqvist’s vice‑captain, seized the microphone and led the audience in a rendition of "Links Rechts," the unofficial anthem of the Dutch football team during the World Cup.
The song’s infectious rhythm got everyone bouncing in one direction, further heightening the electric atmosphere. "It doesn’t get better than this," Nordqvist later remarked. "The crowds are amazing.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many Europeans on the first tee." Her words captured the sheer scale of the gathering, where fans dressed in banana costumes, stars‑and‑stripes outfits, and oversized golf bucket hats all converged at 7:20 a.m. to create a "brilliantly bonkers" tableau. Chants of "Let’s go Europe, let’s go!" echoed through the stands just as Europe’s classic "Final Countdown" thundered from the speakers.
The opening pairing for Team USA arrived almost ten minutes early, eager to soak up the fervor. Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz were soon joined by Charley Hull and rookie Lottie Woad. Each arrival was punctuated by smoke cannons, thunderous applause, and clever adaptations of chants borrowed from other sports. A large screen displayed a polite "quiet please" reminder before the first drives, and a playful, Corpuz‑inspired twist on the Beatles’ "Hey Jude" was quickly silenced as the players took their shots.
The celebration didn’t end with the first tee shot. When Lottie Woad recorded the opening birdie of the event, the party roared on. Team USA vice‑captain Paula Creamer, sporting a cowboy hat, and fan favourite Megan Khang broke into spontaneous dance moves, while the crowd sang a parody of Kings of Leon’s "Sex on Fire" – "Ohhhh, Leona Maguire" – and rewrote Desmond Dekker’s "Israelites" to celebrate Esther Henseleit.
The tradition of chanting "Europe’s on fire, USA is terrified," popularized at last year’s Ryder Cup, resurfaced with a Maguire‑focused twist, honoring the Irishwoman’s impressive Solheim Cup record. Only one European veteran, Carlota Ciganda, sat out the opening session, but even she was in high spirits, wearing a Solheim Cup‑themed beanie and encouraging the newcomers to enjoy every moment. She danced arm‑in‑arm with the rookies during "It’s Raining Men" and when a Vengaboys track blared, never losing her grin.
Her enthusiasm was contagious; Maja Stark and Linn Grant sprinted to the crowd, swaying to ABBA’s karaoke staple "Dancing Queen" as they awaited their matches. Dame Laura Davies, a 12‑time Solheim Cup participant, summed up the sentiment: "These people absolutely make it for the players.
Without these brilliant fans, it’s just not the same." The crowd even invented a "Baby Shark"‑style chant for Stark – "Maja Stark, doo‑doo, doo‑doo, doo‑doo" – that became an earworm that lifted the European side to claim the first point of the competition. Later in the day, a light drizzle replaced the early sunshine, but the weather never dulled the energy.
Spectators lined the fairways, braving the rain to watch a tightly contested opening session that left the teams dead‑locked at two points each. After her win, Leona Maguire praised the supporters: "We had incredible support out here. They were really spurring us on, especially when the weather got bad and miserable. It was that extra little bit we needed to grind it out." The afternoon session saw the noise reach even greater heights.
Former major champion Karen Stupples described the galleries as "insane," noting that the roar was comparable to any major sporting event. If the quality of golf matches the intensity of the atmosphere, the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup could become one of the most memorable in its history. Beyond the spectacle, the event highlighted how modern golf is evolving into an experience that blends sport, music, and fan culture.
Organisers deliberately crafted a festival‑like environment, inviting local musicians, commissioning custom chants, and encouraging fans to dress in flamboyant attire. This approach not only energized the players but also attracted a broader audience, many of whom were experiencing a high‑profile women’s golf event for the first time.
The impact of such an atmosphere extends beyond the immediate competition. Young players, like Lottie Woad, absorb the energy and learn that golf can be both competitive and celebratory.
Veteran players, such as Carlota Ciganda, find renewed motivation to mentor newcomers in a setting that feels less formal and more inclusive. The synergy between players and fans creates a feedback loop: the louder the crowd, the more inspired the athletes become, which in turn fuels even greater fan enthusiasm.
Looking ahead, the question on everyone’s mind is which side will ultimately lift the Solheim Cup. Team Europe’s early surge, powered by an electrifying home crowd, gives them a psychological edge. Yet Team USA’s star‑studded lineup, buoyed by their own enthusiastic supporters, remains a formidable challenge.
As the tournament progresses, the atmosphere is set to remain a defining factor, with each match likely to be punctuated by music, chants, and spontaneous celebrations. For viewers at home, the action can be followed live on Sky Sports, with all three days available on Sky Sports Golf and streaming options on NOW without a contract. The blend of top‑level golf and festival‑style fan engagement promises a Solheim Cup that will be remembered not only for the scores on the card but also for the unforgettable, "insane" atmosphere that surrounded every swing.