Team Europe bounced back to capture the Solheim Cup, edging Team USA 15‑13 following a dramatic singles session on a rain‑soaked Sunday at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands. The competition entered the final day deadlocked at 8‑8, meaning Europe needed at least 6.5 points from the remaining matches to secure the trophy, two years after a defeat to the Americans. From the outset, Charley Hull set the tone for Europe.
The Englishwoman opened the singles roster against Megan Khang and delivered a convincing 3&2 victory, putting the first point on the board and giving the Europeans an early psychological edge. Hull’s steady play, highlighted by a series of accurate drives and well‑placed greens, demonstrated why she was trusted to lead the team again after her half‑point contribution in the earlier sessions. The momentum continued as Anna Nordqvist’s side briefly surged ahead, leading in eight of the twelve matches at one stage.
Linn Grant cemented Europe’s advantage by defeating Angel Yin 4&3, completing an immaculate 4‑0‑0 record for the week—a feat achieved by only eight players in Solheim Cup history. Grant’s flawless performance, marked by precise iron work and clutch putting, underscored her status as a rising star on the European circuit. Team USA, however, refused to surrender quietly. Alison Lee produced a remarkable comeback, erasing a four‑hole deficit to win 1‑up against Esther Henseleit.
Lee’s resilience was on full display as she navigated the challenging weather, capitalizing on a late‑day shift in conditions to force the decisive hole. Her victory injected fresh hope into the American camp and briefly narrowed the overall gap.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda answered with a solid 4&3 win over rookie Mimi Rhodes, leveling the match tally and keeping the United States within striking distance. Yet Europe’s depth shone through as Nastasia Nadaud, Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Julia Lopez Ramirez each secured crucial points. Nadaud’s 3&2 triumph over Andrea Lee marked her third win of the debut, while Lopez Ramirez completed an unbeaten start by beating Yealimi Noh, reinforcing Europe’s collective strength.
The host nation’s hopes were further buoyed when Lottie Woad defeated Auston Kim, pushing the European total to 14 points and igniting celebrations among the crowd. Veteran Carlota Ciganda, who had already guaranteed at least a half‑point, then delivered the decisive blow by overcoming Jennifer Kupcho. Ciganda’s victory, earned through a steady parade of pars and timely birdies, sealed the comeback and confirmed Europe’s triumph on home soil. In post‑match interviews, Hull reflected on her performance, noting, “I’ve given myself many chances, so it’s frustrating when they don’t convert, but today I stayed steady, hit a lot of greens and managed the pressure.” Her composure contrasted with the earlier volatility of the day, illustrating the value of experience in high‑stakes match play.
Grant’s historic clean sweep placed her among an elite group of players who have finished a Solheim Cup week unbeaten. She praised her consistency, while Lee, after her dramatic win, said, “I focused on staying consistent despite the rain. The front nine was tough, but the weather turned and so did my game.” Both comments highlighted the influence of weather on the day’s play, as intermittent showers made the course conditions unpredictable.
Europe’s younger contingent proved reliable; Madsen overcame Allisen Corpuz, and the trio of rookies—Nadaud, Lopez Ramirez and Woad—each contributed points, demonstrating the depth of talent Europe now possesses. Meanwhile, USA rookie Lindy Duncan broke Maja Stark’s perfect record, and Lauren Coughlin handed Leona Maguire her first Solheim singles loss, narrowing the margin further.
Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist praised the collective effort: “There’s been immense hard work over the past two years from everyone, not just the players but the entire support staff. The vibe was positive all week, and I’m incredibly proud of how the team started strong and finished even stronger.” USA captain Angela Stanford acknowledged the Europeans’ resilience: “We did many things right leading up to this, and the players fought hard.
The Europeans played great today; they had nothing to lose, and they seized the opportunity.” Looking ahead, the Ladies European Tour will shift to Spain for the La Sella Open at La Sella Golf Resort, while the LPGA Tour pauses before the Walmart N Arkansas Championship in late September. The next Solheim Cup is slated for 2028 at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, promising another chapter in this transatlantic rivalry. Fans can follow the latest Sky Sports offers or stream the action on NOW without a contract, and golf enthusiasts are invited to book tee times at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland through the provided booking platform.