Team Europe emerged victorious in the Solheim Cup, overturning a tie to defeat Team USA 15‑13 after a dramatic singles day on Dutch soil. Entering Sunday’s final round at Bernardus Golf, the competition was dead‑locked at 8‑8, meaning Europe needed at least 6.5 points from the twelve singles matches to clinch the trophy. Two years after a loss to the United States, the Europeans answered the challenge with a series of decisive wins. Charley Hull set the tone early, opening the singles with a 3&2 triumph over Megan Khang that put Europe ahead on the scoreboard.
Hull, who had already contributed half a point in the earlier sessions, demonstrated the steady, green‑in‑the‑fairway game that would become a hallmark of the day. Her confidence was evident as she said, "I’ve been giving myself a lot of chances, and today I finally managed to convert them by staying consistent and hitting the greens." The momentum swung back and forth as the matches progressed.
Anna Nordqvist’s side briefly held a lead in eight of the twelve contests, and Linn Grant further extended Europe’s advantage by beating Angel Yin 4&3, completing a flawless week for the Swede. Grant’s performance placed her among an elite group of players who have finished a Solheim Cup with a perfect 4‑0‑0 record. Team USA, however, fought back. Alison Lee produced a remarkable comeback, erasing a four‑hole deficit to win 1 up against Esther Henseleit, providing a glimmer of hope for the Americans.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda also leveled the playing field with a 4&3 victory over rookie Mimi Rhodes, showcasing why she is considered the top player in the world. Europe’s depth shone through as Nastasia Nadaud, Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Julia Lopez Ramirez each secured points, moving the Europeans ever closer to the target. Lottie Woad’s win over Auston Kim lifted the host nation to 14 points and sparked jubilant celebrations among the crowd.
Veteran Carlota Ciganda, who had been instrumental in Europe’s 2023 retention of the Cup in Spain, clinched the decisive half‑point and later sealed the overall victory with a win over Jennifer Kupcho. Kupcho had delivered spectacular birdies on Saturday night, prompting USA captain Angela Stanford to claim the tide had turned in their favor. Yet the final day saw Europe seize control.
Hull, who had previously thrashed Korda 6&4 two years earlier, was again trusted to open the singles lineup. She delivered a flawless performance, winning the opening hole with a par and never looking back, ultimately securing a full point for Europe.
Grant’s 4&3 win over Yin made her only the ninth player in Solheim Cup history to finish with a 4‑0‑0 record, while Lee matched that feat for the United States by rallying from four down to defeat Henseleit in a thrilling match two. Lee reflected on the challenge, noting, "The front nine was tough with the rain, but once the weather cleared my game improved, and I was able to create the birdie chances I needed." Korda’s display against Rhodes was the standout performance for the United States, but Europe’s three other rookies also contributed valuable points. Nadaud defeated Andrea Lee 3&2, marking her third win in her debut, and Lopez Ramirez capped an unbeaten debut by beating Yealimi Noh.
Madsen had earlier bested Allisen Corpuz, and Woad recovered from a three‑hole losing streak on the back nine to defeat Kim, keeping Europe on the brink of victory. Ciganda built an early lead against Kupcho and held on for the winning point, expressing her joy: "I’m so happy. We had a fantastic team all week, arguably one of the best squads we’ve fielded in recent years." Team USA rookie Lindy Duncan ended Maja Stark’s perfect record, while Lauren Coughlin handed Leona Maguire her first Solheim singles loss, narrowing the margin.
Rose Zhang beat Celine Boutier 2 up in the bottom match, leaving the Frenchwoman without a point for the week. European captain Anna Nordqvist praised the collective effort: "There’s been a tremendous amount of hard work from everyone, not just the players but the whole support staff. The atmosphere was great all week, and the team started strong and finished even stronger. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved." USA captain Angela Stanford acknowledged Europe’s resilience: "We did many things right leading up to the event, and the players fought hard.
The Europeans played exceptionally well today; they had nothing to lose, and they seized the moment." Looking ahead, the Ladies European Tour will travel to Spain for the La Sella Open at La Sella Golf Resort, while the LPGA Tour pauses before the Walmart N Arkansas Championship scheduled for September 25‑27. The next Solheim Cup is set for 2028 at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, slated for September 8‑10.