Team Europe’s captain, Anna Nordqvist, was swift to refute any insinuations that the Bernardus Golf course had been deliberately arranged to favor the European side during the recent Solheim Cup. The Swedish veteran, who led Europe to a 15‑13 triumph over the United States in the final singles matches held in the Netherlands, made it clear that the playing conditions were not engineered to give her team an advantage. The competition had been dead‑locked at 8‑8 after the first two days of foursomes and four‑ball play, setting the stage for a dramatic final day.
However, USA captain Angela Stanford expressed frustration after the event, claiming that her squad had been hampered by the slower greens at Bernardus. In her post‑tournament press conference she said, "Europe played well. I don’t think we played badly; we simply didn’t make enough putts. If you listen to anything 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 for clarification, Stanford suggested that the green speeds were not what she had anticipated. "Even when we arrived in July, they were faster than expected, and I don’t think the rain had anything to do with it either.
It’s my responsibility to prepare the team for those conditions," she added. Stanford went on to admit that she felt she had not pushed her players hard enough on the putting practice, saying, "I’m kicking myself for not emphasizing the need to hit the ball a little harder on the greens – it’s a difficult adjustment. I’m frustrated that I didn’t drive that point home." Nordqvist, taken aback by the criticism of the greens, responded at her own press conference.
"We’re in Europe in September, and we all know how the weather can behave," she said. "I don’t buy the notion that the course was set up to suit Europe. These players compete week after week on the same courses, so they’re used to a range of conditions.
We arrived in July during a hot, dry spell, which made the course play a bit firmer. Then, in the weeks leading up to the final, we experienced a lot of rain, which softened the ground.
If anything, the greens were playing softer than we had expected, but that’s just the weather doing its thing – we can’t control it." The American side had enjoyed a moment of euphoria on Saturday evening when Jennifer Kupcho holed two spectacular putts to clinch a late win, tying the overall match at 8‑8 and preventing Europe from taking a 9‑7 lead into the final day. Stanford, however, cautioned against reading too much into that emotional high. "You never want to dampen a great moment for the players," she explained. "The worst thing I could do would be to tell them to pull back from that high.
Those feelings are part of the sport, and we can’t take that away. The team handled it well, and after talking with Kupcho and the others, they said they felt rested but needed a minute to settle after such an intense surge." Looking ahead, the Ladies European Tour will travel to Spain for the La Sella Open, which begins on Thursday at the La Sella Golf Resort. Meanwhile, the LPGA Tour will pause for a brief intermission before resuming with the Walmart N Arkansas Championship from September 25‑27.
The next Solheim Cup is slated for 2028 and will be contested at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky from September 8‑10. The debate over course setup and green speed is a recurring theme in match‑play events, especially when the host nation is involved.
While captains often have some input on how a venue is prepared, the primary goal is to present a fair test for both sides. In this case, Nordqvist emphasized that the European players are accustomed to a variety of conditions and that any perceived advantage was likely the result of natural weather fluctuations rather than intentional manipulation.
Stanford’s comments also highlighted the importance of preparation and adaptability. She admitted that a deeper relationship with the course superintendent could have provided better insight into the expected green speeds, potentially allowing her team to adjust their practice routines accordingly. The lesson here is clear: in elite competition, even small gaps in knowledge about the playing surface can have a measurable impact on performance.
Ultimately, Europe’s narrow victory underscores the fine margins that decide the Solheim Cup. A handful of putts, a few strategic decisions, and the ability to stay composed under pressure all contributed to the final scoreline. Both captains have pledged to take the experience forward, with Stanford vowing to fine‑tune her team’s putting approach and Nordqvist reaffirming her belief that the competition was conducted on an even playing field. Fans can continue to follow the unfolding storylines on Sky Sports, where they can access the latest deals, stream matches without a contract on NOW, or book a round at any of the 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland.
For those interested in attending future events, the official Solheim Cup website provides updates on ticket sales, travel packages, and venue information. The rivalry between Europe and the United States remains as fierce as ever, promising more drama and excitement in the years to come.