Team Europe’s captain, Anna Nordqvist, predicted that the first tee of the Solheim Cup would become the hottest spot in the world of golf, and she was proved right when the opening day turned into a spectacle unlike anything seen before in the women’s game. The horseshoe‑shaped grandstand that encircles the first tee at Bernardus Golf filled up well before sunrise, with almost 3,000 spectators already in place and even more fans lining the fairways, creating a carnival‑like buzz of noise and excitement. When United States captain Angela Stanford emerged from a tunnel onto the tee, she was greeted by a wave of cheers and even a spontaneous dance.
Charley Hull later described that moment as feeling "like stepping into an arena," while vice‑captains from both sides tried to amplify the roar even further. A large banner reading "Dutch courage, European glory" fluttered above the crowd, underscoring the host nation’s determination to turn the event into a raucous party more reminiscent of a football stadium or a darts tournament than a traditional golf competition. Nordqvist’s vice‑captain, Anne van Dam, took the microphone and led the audience in singing "Links Rechts," a tune that had become the unofficial anthem of the Dutch football team during the World Cup. The song, with its lively bounce, set the tone for a day that would be described by many as "bonkers" and "brilliantly chaotic." "It doesn’t get any better than this," Nordqvist exclaimed, marveling at the sea of fans.
"The crowds are amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many Europeans on the first tee." Her observation was echoed by the sight of spectators dressed in banana costumes, stars‑and‑stripes outfits, and oversized golf bucket hats, all jumping and chanting together at 7:20 a.m. The atmosphere grew louder as the opening pairs prepared to tee off. Chants of "Let’s go Europe, let’s go!" reverberated through the stands, followed by the classic riff of Europe’s "The Final Countdown" blaring from the speakers.
The United States’ star‑studded opening duo arrived nearly ten minutes early, clearly eager to soak up the electric vibe. Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz were soon joined by Charley Hull and rookie Lottie Woad, each arrival punctuated by smoke cannons, thunderous applause, and cleverly adapted chants borrowed from other sports. Just before the first drives, a large screen displayed a polite "quiet please" message, and a playful version of the Beatles’ "Hey Jude," re‑worked to reference Corpuz, was cut short so the players could focus on their swings.
The party, however, did not subside after Lottie Woad recorded the opening birdie on the first green. Team USA vice‑captain Paula Creamer, sporting a cowboy hat, and fan‑favorite Megan Khang were among those who kept the dance floor moving.
Fans shouted a raucous "Ohhhh, Leona Maguire" to the tune of Kings of Leon’s "Sex on Fire," while a localized version of Desmond Dekker’s "Israelites" was altered to celebrate Esther Henseleit. The crowd even revived last year’s Ryder Cup chant, "Europe’s on fire, USA is terrified," tweaking it to honor Irish star Leona Maguire, whose winning percentage in Solheim Cup play is among the best ever. 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.
She danced alongside the rookies during "It’s Raining Men" and when the DJ spun a Vengaboys track, her smile never faded, embodying the joyous spirit that permeated the event. The upbeat energy spread to the rest of the European squad.
Maja Stark and Linn Grant sprinted out to the crowd, swaying to ABBA’s karaoke classic "Dancing Queen" as they waited for their matches. Dame Laura Davies, a twelve‑time Solheim Cup veteran, praised the fans, 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"—became an earworm that lifted the Swede’s spirits and helped her and Grant secure Europe’s first point of the day.
Even as the morning sunshine gave way to a light, persistent drizzle, the enthusiasm never waned. Strong galleries lined the fairways, watching a tightly contested opening session that left the teams dead‑locked at two points each.
After her victory, Leona Maguire thanked the supporters, noting, "They were really spurring us on, especially when the weather turned bad and miserable. It was that extra little bit we needed to grind it out." The crowd’s volume seemed to swell even more during the afternoon session, prompting former major champion Karen Stupples to describe the spectators as "insane." If the quality of golf matches the fervor of the fans, the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup could become one of the most memorable chapters in the competition’s history. The combination of music, costumes, chants, and genuine enthusiasm has turned the first tee into a stage where players feel both pressure and exhilaration, and where the audience becomes an integral part of the drama.
Who will ultimately lift the Solheim Cup? Fans can follow Team Europe’s quest to reclaim the trophy live on Sky Sports, with all three days available on Sky Sports Golf, or stream the action without a contract via NOW.