Team Europe’s captain, Anna Nordqvist, predicted that the opening tee of the Solheim Cup would become "the place to be in the golfing world," and her forecast proved spot on as she observed a scene unlike anything previously seen in women’s golf. The horseshoe‑shaped grandstand surrounding the first tee at Bernardus Golf filled up well before sunrise, with almost 3,000 fans already in place and many more lining the fairway, turning the early morning into a raucous, festival‑like celebration. When United States captain Angela Stanford emerged from a tunnel and stepped onto the tee, she was greeted by a chorus of cheers and a spontaneous dance.
Charley Hull earlier described that moment as feeling "like entering an arena," and vice‑captains from both teams added to the cacophony, trying to out‑shout each other. A banner reading "Dutch courage, European glory" fluttered above the crowd, reflecting the host nation’s effort to create a boisterous environment 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 to lead the spectators in "Links Rechts," a song that had become the unofficial anthem of the Dutch football side during the World Cup and involves a distinctive bounce in a particular direction.
"It doesn’t get better than this," Nordqvist exclaimed. "The crowds are amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many Europeans on the first tee." Her words captured the electric mood that swept over the venue. Fans arrived in an eclectic mix of banana costumes, stars‑and‑stripes suits, and oversized golf bucket hats, all jumping and chanting together at 7:20 a.m.
The scene was delightfully chaotic, with dancing and singing intensifying as the first players prepared to tee off. Chants of "Let’s go Europe, let’s go!" rang out, followed by a blaring rendition of Europe’s classic "The Final Countdown" that reverberated through the stands. The United States’ opening pair, featuring star players Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz, arrived almost ten minutes early, eager to soak up the atmosphere. Soon after, Charley Hull and rookie Lottie Woad joined the fray, each arrival punctuated 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 version of the Beatles’ "Hey Jude," re‑written to reference Corpuz, was quickly muted to allow the players a respectful silence for their drives. The party did not subside when Woad recorded the opening birdie of the competition on the first green.
Team USA vice‑captain Paula Creamer, sporting a cowboy hat, and fan‑favorite Megan Khang broke into dance, while a chorus of "Ohhhh, Leona Maguire" to the tune of Kings of Leon’s "Sex on Fire" echoed across the venue. Desmond Decker’s classic "Israelites" was humorously altered to celebrate Esther Henseleit, and a 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 even she joined in the revelry, wearing a Solheim Cup‑themed beanie and encouraging the newcomers to enjoy every moment.
She danced arm‑in‑arm with the rookies during "It’s Raining Men" and showed off her moves when a Vengaboys track blared, never losing her wide grin. The upbeat vibe spread throughout the European camp. Maja Stark and Linn Grant sprinted to the crowd, swaying to ABBA’s karaoke staple "Dancing Queen" as they awaited their match. Dame Laura Davies, a twelve‑time Solheim Cup participant, 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 set to the melody of "Baby Shark" – "Maja Stark, doo‑doo, doo‑doo, doo‑doo" – quickly became an earworm, energising the Swede and Grant as they secured Europe’s first point. Even when the morning sunshine gave way to a light, persistent rain, 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 win, Leona Maguire reflected on the support: "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 volume of the crowd seemed to climb even higher during the afternoon round, prompting former major champion Karen Stupples to describe the spectators as "insane." If the quality of golf matches the fervour being generated off the course, the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup could become one of the most memorable chapters in the event’s history. The blend of music, costumes, chants, and spontaneous dance has turned the first tee into a spectacle that rivals any major sporting arena, promising fans and players alike an unforgettable experience.
Who will ultimately lift the Solheim Cup? Catch Team Europe’s quest to reclaim the trophy live on Sky Sports, with all three days broadcast on Sky Sports Golf. Explore the latest Sky Sports offers or stream without a contract on NOW.