Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist predicted that the first tee of the Solheim Cup would become "the place to be in the golfing world," and she was proved right when she witnessed a scene that was unlike anything seen before in women’s golf. The horseshoe‑shaped grandstand that rings the first tee at Bernardus Golf filled up well before sunrise, with almost 3,000 spectators already in place and many more lining the fairway.
The crowd’s energy turned the early morning into a festive, almost carnival‑like atmosphere, complete with roaring cheers and a palpable sense of anticipation. 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, who arrived earlier in the week, likened the experience to "entering an arena," and both teams’ vice‑captains worked hard to amplify the noise even further. A prominent banner read "Dutch courage, European glory," a nod to the host nation’s effort to turn the venue into a boisterous arena more reminiscent of a football stadium or a darts competition than a traditional golf course. Nordqvist’s vice‑captain, Anne van Dam, took the microphone and led the crowd in the chant of "Links Rechts," a song that had become the unofficial anthem of the Dutch football team during the World Cup. The crowd responded with enthusiastic bouncing, creating a wave of movement that rippled through the stands.
"It doesn’t get better than this," Nordqvist exclaimed, marveling at the electric atmosphere. "The crowds are amazing.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many Europeans on the first tee." Fans arrived in a kaleidoscope of costumes – banana outfits, stars‑and‑stripes suits, and oversized golf bucket hats – all jumping in unison at 7:20 a.m. The scene was delightfully chaotic, with dancing and singing growing louder as the first pairs prepared to tee off.
Chants of "Let’s go Europe, let’s go!" echoed around the grandstand, followed by the unmistakable opening bars of Europe’s classic "The Final Countdown" blaring from the speakers. The United States’ star‑studded opening pair arrived almost ten minutes early, simply to soak up the electric vibe. When Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz stepped up, they were quickly joined by Charley Hull and rookie Lottie Woad.
Each arrival was marked by a burst of smoke cannons, thunderous applause, and cleverly adapted chants borrowed from other sports. A large screen displayed a polite "quiet please" message before the first tee shots, and a playful adaptation of the Beatles’ "Hey Jude" – re‑written with Corpuz’s name – was cut short so the players could focus on their drives. The celebration didn’t end with the first birdie, which came from Lottie Woad on the opening green. Team USA vice‑captain Paula Creamer, sporting a cowboy hat, and fan favourite Megan Khang kept the dance floor alive with their moves.
The crowd sang a parody of Kings of Leon’s "Sex on Fire" – "Ohhhh, Leona Maguire" – while Dutch DJ Desmond Decker rewrote his version of "Israelites" to include Esther Henseleit’s name. The familiar chant from last year’s Ryder Cup – "Europe’s on fire, USA is terrified" – was given a Maguire twist to honor the Irishwoman’s impressive Solheim Cup record. Only one European veteran, Carlota Ciganda, sat out the opening session, but she wore a Solheim Cup beanie and encouraged the newcomers to enjoy every moment of the week.
She danced alongside the rookies during "It’s Raining Men" and a Vengaboys track, never losing her bright smile. Her positive energy seemed contagious; Maja Stark and Linn Grant ran to the crowd, swaying to ABBA’s karaoke staple "Dancing Queen" as they waited for their matches to begin.
Dame Laura Davies, a 12‑time Solheim Cup participant, summed up the feeling: "These people absolutely make it for the players. Without these brilliant fans, it’s just not the same." The crowd even created an ear‑worm chant to the tune of "Baby Shark" – "Maja Stark, doo‑doo, doo‑doo, doo‑doo" – which, while absurd, perfectly captured the playful spirit of the day and helped Europe secure its first point. Mid‑morning sunshine gave way to a light, persistent drizzle, but the rain did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm. Spectators lined the fairways, creating a wall of support that kept the energy high throughout the tight opening session, which ended with the teams tied at two points each.
After her win, Leona Maguire praised the fans: "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 levels climb even higher. Former major champion Karen Stupples described the galleries as "insane," noting that the atmosphere was as intense as any major championship crowd.
If the quality of golf matches the fervor of the spectators, the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup could become one of the most memorable in the event’s history. Beyond the immediate excitement, the first‑tee spectacle highlighted a broader shift in women’s golf: the sport is increasingly embracing fan‑focused entertainment, blending traditional competition with music, choreography, and interactive chants. This approach not only draws larger, more diverse audiences but also creates a festival‑like environment that can inspire the next generation of players and fans alike. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Team Europe’s quest to reclaim the trophy.
The combination of world‑class talent, passionate supporters, and an atmosphere that feels more like a concert than a golf tournament sets the stage for a dramatic showdown. Viewers can follow Europe’s bid live on Sky Sports, with all three days available on Sky Sports Golf or streamed without a contract on NOW.