Team Europe captured the Solheim Cup on Sunday, overturning a tie and securing a 15-13 victory over Team USA in a dramatic finale held at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands. The day began with the teams deadlocked at 8-8, meaning Europe needed just 6.5 points from the singles to clinch the trophy, a goal they achieved with a series of decisive performances. From the opening tee, Charley Hull set the tone for Europe.
The English star opened her match against Megan Khang with a confident 3&2 win, giving Europe an early lead and establishing momentum. Hull’s steady play, highlighted by accurate driving and solid iron work, helped her secure a full point and put the hosts in a favorable position. Swedish captain Anna Nordqvist’s side briefly held a lead in eight of the twelve singles matches, and the advantage grew when Linn Grant defeated Angel Yin 4&3.
Grant’s flawless 4-0-0 record for the week placed her among an elite group of Solheim Cup players who have won every point they contested. Her victory also marked the completion of a perfect week, underscoring the depth of Europe’s talent.
Team USA, however, showed resilience. Alison Lee staged a remarkable comeback, erasing a four‑hole deficit to edge out Esther Henseleit 1 up. Lee’s determination kept the Americans within striking distance and demonstrated the fierce competition that defined the day.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who had been a key figure for the United States, levelled the contest by beating rookie Mimi Rhodes 4&3.
Korda’s win was the highlight for the U.S., but Europe continued to pull ahead as Nastasia Nadaud, Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Julia Lopez Ramirez each added crucial points. Nadaud’s 3&2 triumph over Andrea Lee and Lopez Ramirez’s unbeaten debut victory over Yealimi Noh further widened the gap.
Lottie Woad’s match against Auston Kim proved pivotal. After dropping three consecutive holes on the back nine, Woad rallied to win, taking the hosts to 14 points and igniting celebrations among the European camp.
Her victory, combined with a half‑point secured by veteran Carlota Ciganda, set the stage for the final showdown. Ciganda, a two‑time Solheim Cup winner, faced Jennifer Kupcho in the last match. Despite Kupcho’s spectacular birdies on Saturday that had given the United States a surge of confidence, Ciganda maintained her composure, built an early lead and ultimately secured the winning point for Europe, sealing a 15‑13 triumph. Hull’s performance in the singles was particularly noteworthy.
She opened with a par on the first hole and never relinquished the lead, matching Khang’s birdie on the eighth and then dominating both back‑nine par‑fives to close out a 6&4 victory. Hull reflected on her steady play, saying, "I’ve given myself many chances and it’s been frustrating at times, but I stayed consistent, hit a lot of greens and kept my composure." Grant’s flawless record placed her among only nine players in Solheim Cup history to finish 4‑0‑0. Lee, meanwhile, matched the Swede’s record by mounting a dramatic comeback from four down, winning 1 up after a tense battle on the front nine that was hampered by rain. "I focused on staying consistent," Lee explained, "The weather was challenging, but once it cleared my game improved." The United States’ rookie Lindy Duncan broke Maja Stark’s perfect run, while Lauren Coughlin handed Leona Maguire her first Solheim singles loss, slightly narrowing the margin.
In the bottom match, Rose Zhang defeated Celine Boutier 2 up, leaving the Frenchwoman without a point for the week. Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist praised the collective effort, stating, "There has been immense hard work from everyone over the past two years, not just the players but the entire support staff. The atmosphere was great all week, and the team started strong and finished even stronger. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved." USA captain Angela Stanford acknowledged Europe’s tenacity: "We made many right decisions leading up to this, and the players fought hard.
The Europeans played excellently today; they had nothing to lose, and they used that freedom to play their best golf. Congratulations to them." Looking ahead, the Ladies European Tour will travel to Spain for the La Sella Open at La Sella Golf Resort, while the LPGA Tour pauses before the Walmart N Arkansas Championship scheduled for late September. The next Solheim Cup is set for 2028 at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, where the world’s top women golfers will once again compete for the coveted trophy.