Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist declared that the Solheim Cup first tee would become "the place to be in the golfing world," and she proved her prediction correct when she witnessed a spectacle unlike anything previously seen in the women’s game. The horseshoe‑shaped grandstand that surrounds the first tee at Bernardus Golf was already buzzing with excitement long before sunrise, with nearly three thousand spectators packed into the stands and even more fans lining the fairway. The atmosphere resembled a concert or a football stadium more than a traditional golf venue, creating a party‑like environment of noise, colour and pure enthusiasm.
United States captain Angela Stanford made a theatrical entrance, dancing onto the tee after emerging from a tunnel. Charley Hull, who had arrived earlier in the week, likened the experience to "entering an arena," and both sides’ vice‑captains did everything they could to amplify the roar of the crowd. A large banner reading "Dutch courage, European glory" fluttered above the spectators, underscoring the host nation’s determination to give the players a raucous backdrop that felt more like a darts tournament or a football match than a quiet round of golf. Nordqvist’s vice‑captain, Anne van Dam, took the microphone and led the audience in a rendition of "Links Rechts," the unofficial anthem of the Dutch football team during the World Cup.
The song, with its infectious bounce, got everyone on their feet and set the tone for the day. "It doesn’t get better than this," Nordqvist said, beaming at the sea of fans. "The crowds are amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many Europeans on the first tee." Fans arrived in an array of costumes – banana outfits, stars‑and‑stripes suits, and oversized golf bucket hats – all jumping and cheering together at 7:20 a.m.
The scene was brilliantly bonkers, with dancing and singing growing louder as the first players prepared to tee off. Chants of "Let’s go Europe, let’s go!" echoed through the grandstand before the classic synth line of Europe’s "The Final Countdown" blasted from the speakers, signalling the start of the competition.
Team USA’s star‑studded opening pair arrived almost ten minutes early, eager to soak up the electric atmosphere. Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz were quickly joined by Charley Hull and rookie Lottie Woad. Each arrival was marked by 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 to reference Corpuz – was cut short so the players could focus on their drives.
The party did not 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 joined the revelry, showing off their own dance moves.
The crowd sang a raucous version of "Ohhhh, Leona Maguire" to the tune of Kings of Leon’s "Sex on Fire," while Desmond Decker’s chant of "Israelites" was cleverly altered to celebrate Esther Henseleit. Fans recalled the famous "Europe’s on fire, USA is terrified" chant from last year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, but this time they added a Maguire twist to honour the Irishwoman, whose winning percentage in Solheim Cup play is among the best ever.
The only European with prior Solheim experience who sat out the opening session, Carlota Ciganda, wore a Solheim Cup beanie and encouraged the newcomers to enjoy every moment of the week. She danced arm‑in‑arm with the rookies during "It’s Raining Men" and kept the energy high when a Vengaboys track spun, never losing her radiant grin. The positive vibes spread throughout the European camp.
Maja Stark and Linn Grant sprinted to the crowd, swaying to ABBA’s karaoke classic "Dancing Queen" as they waited for their match to begin. Dame Laura Davies, a twelve‑time Solheim Cup veteran, praised the supporters, saying, "These people absolutely make it for the players. Without these brilliant fans, it’s just not the same." A playful chant to the tune of "Baby Shark" – "Maja Stark, doo‑doo, doo‑doo, doo‑doo" – quickly became an earworm, buoying Stark and Grant as they secured Europe’s first point of the contest.
Even as the morning sunshine gave way to a light, persistent drizzle, the enthusiasm never waned. Strong galleries lined the fairways, cheering every shot in a tightly contested opening session that left the teams tied at two points each.
After her victory, Leona Maguire reflected on the crowd’s impact: "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 spectators as "insane," noting that the energy felt almost as intense as a major championship final.
If the quality of golf matches the fervor of the galleries, the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup could become one of the most memorable in history. The blend of music, costumes, chants, and spontaneous dancing turned the first tee into a cultural festival that celebrated not only the sport but also the spirit of competition between Europe and the United States. Fans, players, and officials alike agreed that the unique atmosphere added an extra layer of drama to every putt and drive. The question on everyone’s mind remains: who will ultimately lift the Solheim Cup?
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