Team Europe seized the Solheim Cup back from the United States with a dramatic singles showdown that ended 15‑13 in their favour on a rain‑soaked Sunday at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands. Entering the final day the contest was dead‑locked at eight points each, meaning Europe needed at least 6.5 points from the twelve singles matches to clinch the trophy, just two years after they had been dethroned by the Americans. Charley Hull set the tone early, opening the singles roster against Megan Khang and delivering a confident 3&2 victory that gave Europe the first point of the day.
Hull’s win was a reminder of her dominance in the 2023 competition, where her decisive performance helped retain the cup on home soil in Spain. Her steady play, marked by accurate driving and solid iron work, provided the early momentum that Europe desperately needed.
The morning session saw several swings in the lead. Anna Nordqvist’s side briefly held an advantage in eight of the twelve matches, and the Swedish duo of Linn Grant and Angel Yin produced a perfect 4‑0‑0 record for Grant, who defeated Yin 4&3 to extend Europe’s lead. Grant’s flawless performance placed her among an elite group of Solheim Cup participants who have never dropped a point in a single edition.
Meanwhile, the United States fought back. Alison Lee produced one of the most memorable comebacks in recent Solheim Cup history, erasing a four‑hole deficit to edge out Esther Henseleit 1‑up. Lee’s resilience injected fresh hope into the American camp, demonstrating that the tide could still turn.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda answered with a convincing 4&3 win over rookie Mimi Rhodes, leveling the overall score and keeping the competition alive. However, Europe continued to pile on points as French rookie Nastasia Nadaud beat Andrea Lee 3&2, Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen defeated Allisen Corpuz, and Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez overcame Yealimi Noh.
Each of these victories added crucial half‑points that edged Europe closer to the required total. The pivotal moment arrived when Lottie Woad faced Auston Kim. After a shaky stretch that saw her lose three consecutive holes on the back nine, Woad rallied to claim the point, raising the European tally to 14 and igniting celebrations among the home crowd.
The atmosphere was electric as the team sensed the cup was within reach. Veteran Carlota Ciganda, who had already secured at least a half‑point earlier in the day, finished the contest with a decisive win over Jennifer Kupcho. Ciganda’s triumph not only sealed the victory for Europe but also underscored the depth of experience on the European side; her 2023 singles win had been instrumental in retaining the cup in Spain, and she repeated that clutch performance on Dutch soil. Post‑match comments highlighted the emotional intensity of the event.
Hull, reflecting on her 6&4 win over Korda, admitted that she had been frustrated by missed opportunities earlier in the tournament but praised her own consistency: "I kept hitting greens and staying steady, even if I didn’t make a lot of birdies." Grant, after completing her flawless record, expressed satisfaction with her composure: "Staying consistent is key, especially when the weather turns. The rain made the front nine tough, but once it cleared my game found its rhythm." Ciganda, beaming after her clinching point, said, "We have had one of the best teams in recent years. The camaraderie and hard work paid off, and I’m thrilled to bring the cup home again." Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist praised the collective effort, noting the extensive preparation and support staff that enabled the players to focus solely on their games. She added, "The vibe was incredible all week.
Everyone stepped up early and finished strong, which is exactly what we needed." U.S. captain Angela Stanford acknowledged the Europeans’ resilience: "They fought hard, had nothing to lose, and played superb golf when it mattered most. It’s the nature of this competition, and we respect their performance." 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 for a brief hiatus before the Walmart N Arkansas Championship later in September.
The next Solheim Cup is scheduled for 2028 at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, promising another chapter in this storied transatlantic rivalry. Fans can follow the latest Sky Sports offers or stream the action on NOW without a contract, and golfers across the UK and Ireland can book tee times at over 1,700 courses through the provided booking platform.