Team USA arrives in the Netherlands with a clear mission: to put an end to the string of near‑misses that have haunted them in overseas Solheim Cups and to successfully defend their championship on foreign soil this week, with the action being broadcast live on Sky Sports. Led by captain Angela Stanford, the American squad touches down at Bernardus Golf as the reigning champions after their 15.5‑12.5 triumph over Team Europe in Virginia two years earlier. A victory this weekend would give the United States back‑to‑back titles for the first time since the 2017 campaign. The last time the United States lifted the Solheim Cup in Europe was eleven years ago, when a dramatic final‑day rally erased a 10‑6 deficit and secured a one‑point win in Germany.
Since then, the Americans have been edged out in both of the most recent away editions. In 2019, at Gleneagles, Team USA fell short by a single point after Suzann Pettersen’s iconic putt clinched the singles for Europe. Two years later, at Finca Cortesin in Spain, the Americans surrendered a commanding lead from day one and settled for a 14‑14 tie, allowing Europe to retain the trophy.
"Winning on foreign soil is always a huge challenge," said American Andrea Lee during the press conference. "We played very well and came agonisingly close in Spain. It was heartbreaking to finish level and see Europe keep the cup, but many of us from that team are back this week.
We’re extremely motivated to keep the Solheim Cup and to finally win abroad again." The whole American contingent – players, coaches and even caddies – flew from Atlanta to the Netherlands on Saturday. They spent the following day sightseeing in Amsterdam before shifting their focus entirely to Solheim Cup preparations. Every detail of the U.S.
camp has been carefully considered, from the team’s apparel to the design of their golf bags, which echo the aesthetics of past overseas triumphs such as the 2007 victory in Sweden and the 2015 win in Germany. These visual cues are intended to reinforce confidence and remind the squad of what is possible.
Alison Lee added, "The format of the Solheim Cup seems to bring out a fire in the European players – they play incredible golf and are fierce competitors. That’s something we’re preparing for. Of course, traveling to Europe brings its own set of challenges. I don’t usually play in rain or wind, but we expect that.
If we can stick to solid fundamentals, play good golf, and develop a bit of chemistry on the course, we have a very strong chance this year." Andrea Lee also emphasized the historic significance of a win: "If we capture the cup this week, it will be the fourth time the United States has won on foreign soil. We’re all determined to make that happen." Statistically, the last four Solheim Cups have been decided by a combined margin of just six points, a stark contrast to the 24‑point swing seen across the previous four Ryder Cups.
This narrowness underlines how crucial every match, every putt, becomes when the competition is on foreign ground. World No. 1 Nelly Korda reflected on the recent disappointments: "In Spain 2023 we were so close – we tied with Europe, which meant they retained the cup.
At Gleneagles we played well, but momentum didn’t swing our way. Our captain and the assistants keep telling us to rely on each other. When things get tough we have to remember we’re all in this together and that we have a huge support network behind us." Angel Yin echoed a similar sentiment about the thin margins: "We keep coming up short on the final putt. Even though the situation is unfamiliar, we always fight hard and I think we’re learning a lot from each experience." On the European side, the team atmosphere has been lively, with players enjoying ping‑pong, darts and a quirky quiz featuring baby photos of the caddies.
Personalized gifts have been exchanged, adding a touch of camaraderie to the competition. Sweden’s captain, Annika Nordqvist, has fielded a youthful squad that includes four rookies, meaning half the team has never played a home Solheim Cup. Veteran Charley Hull, making her eighth consecutive appearance, remains a cornerstone for Europe. Hull noted, "When you’re away there seems to be less pressure.
We still have big crowds in both locations, but the expectations feel heavier at home." Only Carlota Ciganda matches Hull’s number of Solheim Cup appearances, having competed for both Europe and the United States over the years. Ciganda expressed a personal wish to win for Nordqvist, who has announced her retirement from the LPGA Tour: "I would love to give her a victory as a farewell gift. She’s already won everything – majors, Solheim Cups, countless crucial putts. It would be special to cap her career with a European win." Sky Sports Golf is set to deliver at least twelve hours of live coverage across the first two days.
Broadcasts begin at 6 a.m. local time on Friday and Saturday, leading into the opening foursomes matches at 6:40 a.m. (7:40 a.m. local).
The afternoon four‑ball sessions start at 12:05 p.m. (1:05 p.m. local) each day, with continuous commentary until the final putt drops.
Sunday’s singles commence at 9 a.m., with the first tee shot at 10:10 a.m. The closing ceremony will be streamed live on Sky Sports+ from 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, while the opening ceremony on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. will reveal the day‑one pairings.
Fans can watch Team Europe’s attempt to reclaim the trophy, as well as Team USA’s quest to defend it, live on Sky Sports Golf from September 11‑13. For those looking for the best deals, Sky Sports offers subscription options, and NOW provides a contract‑free streaming alternative.
If you’re a golfer looking to book a round, you can compare prices at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland. Simply enter a course name, city, or postal code to find the best rates. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the world will be watching to see which side lifts the Solheim Cup this year.