Team USA arrives in the Netherlands with a clear mission: to put an end to the painful near‑misses that have haunted them in recent overseas Solheim Cups and to successfully defend the trophy on foreign ground. The American contingent, led by captain Angela Stanford, touched down at Bernardus Golf Club as the reigning champions after a 15.5‑12.5 victory over Europe in Virginia two years earlier. A win this week would give the United States back‑to‑back titles for the first time since the 2017‑18 cycle.
The last time the United States lifted the Solheim Cup on European soil was eleven years ago, when a dramatic final‑day rally erased a 10‑6 deficit and produced a one‑point triumph in Germany. Since then, the Americans have fallen agonisingly short in both of the most recent away editions. In 2019 at Gleneagles, a single putt by Norway’s Suzann Pettersen in the singles matches handed Europe a one‑point victory. Two years later, at Finca Cortesin in Spain, the United States surrendered a commanding opening‑day lead and settled for a 14‑14 tie, allowing the Europeans to retain the cup.
"Winning abroad is always a tall order," said American player Andrea Lee during the pre‑tournament press conference. "We played well last time in Spain and came within a whisker of taking it home.
It was heartbreaking to finish level and see Europe keep the cup, but many of us from that squad are here again this week. We’re extremely motivated to break the pattern and win on foreign soil once more." The team travelled together from Atlanta to Amsterdam on Saturday, spending a day sightseeing before shifting their focus to the competition. Even the caddies made the journey as a unified group, underscoring the camaraderie that the U.S.
camp hopes will translate into on‑course chemistry. Attention to detail extends to the visual side of the operation: the players’ clothing and bag designs echo past successes abroad, recalling the 2007 triumph in Sweden and the 2015 victory in Germany. Alison Lee added, "The format of the Solheim Cup brings out a fire in the European players – they play with incredible intensity and are fierce competitors. We respect that and are preparing for a very high level of golf." She also acknowledged the challenges of European conditions: "I don’t usually play in heavy rain or strong wind, but we expect that.
If we can stick to our game plan, play solid golf and find a rhythm together, we have a real chance this year." Andrea Lee reinforced the stakes, noting that a win would mark the United States’ fourth victory on foreign soil. "We’re determined to keep the cup," she said, echoing the sentiment shared by the whole squad. Statistically, the Solheim Cup has been far more tightly contested than its male counterpart, the Ryder Cup. The last four Solheim Cups have been decided by a combined margin of just six points, whereas the previous four Ryder Cups saw a cumulative 24‑point swing.
This narrow margin highlights how every match, every putt, can be decisive – a reality that has left Team USA yearning for closure in recent away attempts. World No. 1 Nelly Korda reflected on the 2023 edition in Spain: "We were so close – the match ended in a tie, so Europe retained the cup. At Gleneagles we played well, but the momentum never really shifted in our favour." She added, "Angela and the assistants keep telling us to rely on each other.
When things get tough, we have to remember we’re all here for one another and for the supporters behind us." Veteran Angel Yin, who has experienced both victory and defeat in the event, admitted, "It often comes down to the final putt. We always fight hard, even when the situation is unfamiliar, and I think we’re learning a lot each time." On the European side, the team room has been buzzing with off‑course activities – ping‑pong, darts and a quirky quiz featuring baby photos of the caddies. These lighter moments aim to build rapport and keep morale high throughout the intense competition. Sweden’s captain, Annika Sörenstam, has assembled a youthful squad that includes four rookies, while seasoned players like Charley Hull, now making her eighth consecutive Solheim Cup appearance, provide leadership.
Hull noted, "There’s actually less pressure when you’re away. The crowds are big in both locations, but the home crowd adds an extra layer of expectation." Carlota Ciganda, who shares the record for most Solheim Cup appearances with Hull, expressed a personal motivation: "I’d love to win for Annika, especially now that she’s announced her retirement. It would be a wonderful gift for her after such a distinguished career." Ciganda continued, "She’s already achieved everything – multiple Solheim Cups, major titles, countless clutch putts. Still, delivering a victory for her would be special.
She’s worked incredibly hard, and I hope we can give her that final triumph." Sky Sports Golf will broadcast at least twelve hours of live coverage across the first two days. The action kicks off early, with the opening foursomes teeing off at 6:40 am local time on Friday, followed by fourball matches at 12:05 pm.
Saturday follows a similar schedule. Sunday’s singles begin at 9:00 am, with the first tee shot at 10:10 am, and the closing ceremony will be streamed live on Sky Sports+ at 5:30 pm. Fans can follow the entire contest live on Sky Sports Golf from September 11‑13, or stream via NOW with no contract.
The Solheim Cup remains one of the most thrilling team events in women’s golf, and this year’s showdown promises to be a defining moment for both continents as Team USA seeks to rewrite the narrative of foreign‑soil disappointment and reclaim the trophy for the United States.