Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist predicted that the first tee of the Solheim Cup would become the epicenter of the golfing world, and her forecast proved spot on as she observed a spectacle unlike anything previously seen in women’s golf. The horseshoe‑shaped grandstand surrounding the opening tee at Bernardus Golf filled up well before sunrise, drawing nearly three thousand spectators, with even more fans lining the fairway.
The result was a carnival‑like buzz, a roar of excitement that set the tone for the competition. U.S. captain Angela Stanford made her entrance by dancing out of a tunnel onto the tee, a moment that Charley Hull likened earlier in the week to "walking into an arena." Vice‑captains from both sides amplified the energy, shouting and cheering to keep the volume soaring.
A banner emblazoned with the slogan "Dutch courage, European glory" highlighted the host nation’s effort to transform the golf setting into something more reminiscent of a football stadium or a darts tournament than a traditional course. Anne van Dam, Nordqvist’s vice‑captain, seized the microphone and led the crowd in "Links Rechts," the unofficial anthem of the Dutch football team during the World Cup, complete with a lively bounce that got everyone moving. "It doesn’t get better than this," Nordqvist exclaimed, marveling at the sea of Europeans gathered at the first tee. "I’ve never seen a crowd this large for a women's event." Fans arrived in banana costumes, stars‑and‑stripes outfits, and oversized golf bucket hats, all dancing together at 7:20 a.m.
The scene was delightfully chaotic, with chanting, singing, and a growing sense of anticipation as the players prepared to tee off. The grandstand echoed with shouts of "Let's go Europe, let's go!" just before the classic synth anthem "The Final Countdown" blasted through the speakers. The U.S. opening pair arrived nearly ten minutes early, eager to soak up the electric atmosphere.
When Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz stepped up, they were quickly joined by Charley Hull and rookie Lottie Woad. Each arrival was punctuated by smoke cannons, thunderous applause, and clever adaptations of chants borrowed from other sports. A large screen displayed a polite "quiet please" message before the first drives, and a playful version of the Beatles' "Hey Jude"—re‑worked with Corpuz’s name—was cut short to allow the players a moment of respectful silence. The party did not die down after Woad recorded the event’s opening birdie on the first green.
Team USA vice‑captain Paula Creamer, sporting a cowboy hat, and fan‑favorite Megan Khang joined the revelry, showing off their dance moves. The crowd sang a raucous "Ohhhh, Leona Maguire" to the tune of Kings of Leon’s "Sex on Fire," while a rendition of Desmond Decker’s "Israelites" was cleverly altered to celebrate Esther Henseleit. Fans recalled the chant "Europe’s on fire, USA is terrified" that became popular during last year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, now re‑imagined with a Maguire twist to honor the Irish star, whose winning percentage in Solheim Cup play is among the best ever.
Only one experienced European, 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 along to each song, linking arms with the rookies during "It’s Raining Men" and breaking out moves when a Vengaboys track spun. Her grin never faded, and her enthusiasm rippled through the team. Maja Stark and Linn Grant sprinted to the crowd, swaying to ABBA’s karaoke classic "Dancing Queen" while awaiting their match.
"These people absolutely make it for the players," noted Dame Laura Davies, a twelve‑time Solheim Cup veteran. "Without these brilliant fans, it just isn’t the same." A playful chant to the tune of "Baby Shark"—"Maja Stark, doo‑doo, doo‑doo, doo‑doo"—caught on, further energizing the Swedes as they secured Europe’s first point. Even as the morning sunshine gave way to a light, persistent rain, the atmosphere remained undampened.
Galleries lined the fairways, cheering every shot as the opening session concluded with the teams tied at two points each. After her victory, Leona Maguire praised the crowd: "We had incredible support out here. They kept us going, especially when the weather turned bad.
It gave us that extra push we needed to grind it out." The noise level surged again during the afternoon session. Former major champion Karen Stupples described the spectators as "insane," a fitting adjective for a crowd that matched the intensity of the golf being played. If the quality of play mirrors the fervor of the fans, the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup could become one of the most unforgettable chapters in the tournament’s history.
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.
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