Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist had predicted that the opening tee of the Solheim Cup would become the hottest spot in the golfing world, and she was proved right when the scene unfolded into a spectacle unlike anything seen before in women’s golf. 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 countless more lining the fairway.
The crowd’s energy turned the venue into a raucous, party‑like arena, buzzing with noise and excitement. When United States captain Angela Stanford emerged from a tunnel onto the tee, she broke into a celebratory dance. Charley Hull, who had visited the site earlier in the week, likened the experience to "walking into an arena," and vice‑captains from both teams did everything they could to amplify the roar.
A large banner reading "Dutch courage, European glory" fluttered above, underscoring the host nation’s effort to turn the event into a spectacle more reminiscent of a football stadium or a darts tournament than a traditional golf course. Nordqvist’s vice‑captain, Anne van Dam, seized the microphone and led the audience in a rendition of "Links Rechts," the unofficial anthem that rallied the Dutch football squad during the World Cup.
The song, with its infectious bounce, got everyone moving in the same direction, setting the tone for what Nordqvist later described as "the best atmosphere I’ve ever witnessed." She added, "The crowds are amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many Europeans gathered at 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 delightfully chaotic, with dancing and chanting growing louder as the first matches approached.
Chants of "Let’s go Europe, let’s go!" reverberated through the stands just before Europe’s classic "Final Countdown" blared from the speakers. The U.S. team’s star‑studded opening pair even arrived nearly ten minutes early, eager to soak up the electric atmosphere. Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz were the first to step onto the tee, quickly followed by Charley Hull and rookie Lottie Woad.
Each arrival was punctuated by smoke cannons, thunderous applause, and cleverly adapted chants borrowed from other sports. A prominent screen displayed a polite "quiet please" reminder before the opening drives, and a playful, Corpuz‑inspired twist on the Beatles’ "Hey Jude" was cut short so the players could focus on their shots. The celebration didn’t end with the first tee shots. When Lottie Woad holed a birdie on the opening green, the party continued.
Team USA vice‑captain Paula Creamer, sporting a cowboy hat, and fan favourite Megan Khang joined in the dancing. A chant to the tune of Kings of Leon’s "Sex on Fire"—"Ohhhh, Leona Maguire"—filled the air, while a version of Desmond Dekker’s "Israelites" was re‑worked to spell out Esther Henseleit’s name. Fans also revived last year’s Ryder Cup rallying cry, "Europe’s on fire, USA is terrified," but gave it a Maguire spin to celebrate the Irishwoman’s remarkable 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. Ciganda danced alongside the rookies to every song, linking arms during "It’s Raining Men" and breaking out moves when a Vengaboys track played, her grin never fading. The contagious enthusiasm spread through 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 matches 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"—became an earworm that lifted the Swede’s spirits, and the duo eventually secured Europe’s first point of the competition. Even as the morning sunshine gave way to a light, persistent drizzle, the mood remained undampened. 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 reflected on the support, noting, "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 crowds as "insane," emphasizing how the atmosphere was feeding the players’ performances.
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 chapters in the event’s history. As the competition unfolds, viewers can follow Team Europe’s quest to reclaim the trophy live on Sky Sports, with all three days broadcast on Sky Sports Golf.
Fans also have the option to stream the action via NOW with no contract, ensuring that the excitement at Bernardus Golf reaches audiences worldwide.