Anna Nordqvist expressed her admiration for every participant in Team Europe’s Solheim Cup triumph, emphasizing that it was an obvious decision to have Charley Hull start the Sunday singles. Europe reclaimed the trophy after a dramatic final day at Bernardus Golf, where rain‑soaked conditions did little to dampen the excitement.
Nordqvist’s side secured seven of the twelve points on offer, edging Team USA 15‑13 for their first outright victory since 2021. The European contingent felt they had shifted the momentum in their favor after an electrifying finish the previous evening. Jennifer Kupcho’s late‑burst of birdies had levelled the competition, but Europe responded with resilience, ultimately sealing the win. "This victory feels amazing," Nordqvist told Sky Sports.
"We’ve put in countless hours over the past two years, not just me but the entire support crew. The staff have been phenomenal, allowing us to focus solely on playing, and the atmosphere throughout the week has been incredibly positive. Everyone has been a great teammate." She continued, "When we left the course yesterday, we were buzzing for today’s matches.
I was genuinely impressed by every player and caddie stepping up to the first tee, ready to compete." Nordqvist praised the early dominance of the European team, noting how the fast start set the tone for the weekend. "We talked a lot about the quick starts this week given the course conditions, and I’m extremely proud of the players for both beginning and finishing strongly." Hull’s performance was a highlight.
Two years ago she had thrashed Korda 6&4 in the singles, and despite earning only half a point with Lottie Woad in the first four sessions, she was again trusted to open Europe’s lineup. Nordqvist explained, "It was a no‑brainer to put Charley first.
The statistics from yesterday showed that Charley and Lottie were among the top four birdie makers for the week. They hadn’t accumulated many points yet, but they played incredibly tough matches. Many people don’t appreciate how strong these players are or how high the level of golf has been over the past three days." The English duo had been at risk of becoming the first Solheim Cup participants to appear in five sessions without a win, having suffered a record‑tying 6&5 loss in the Saturday foursomes.
Hull, however, never fell behind in her 3&2 victory over Megan Khang, securing her first full point of the week. Europe, for the first time in its history, won six of the opening eight singles matches, moving decisively toward clinching the Cup.
Hull reflected on her performance: "I’ve given myself many chances, and it’s been frustrating at times. I didn’t hole a lot today, but I stayed steady and hit many greens.
The weather was tough, yet I kept my composure. I spoke with Mel Reid, our vice‑captain, and she reminded me that I’m the third player on both teams with the most birdies this week. I was up against Yealimi Noh, who has been on fire lately." She added, "We were playing well, just not converting enough putts.
That’s match play for you. I’m happy to have contributed a point, even if it’s only one and a half of the total. It’s better than none!" Woad also secured her first Solheim Cup win by defeating Auston Kim, pushing the hosts to 14 points and igniting jubilant celebrations among the Europeans.
She later watched Carlota Ciganda defeat Jennifer Kupcho, sealing the home victory. "Winning was crucial for me," Woad said.
"I felt disappointed, thinking I was playing good golf but not earning points, letting the team down. The captains reminded me I was third on birdies, so I trusted my game. Golf can be like that—sometimes you just need to believe, and it paid off with the winning putt." Looking ahead, the Ladies European Tour will travel to Spain for the La Sella Open at La Sella Golf Resort, beginning Thursday. Meanwhile, the LPGA Tour will take a brief hiatus before the Walmart N Arkansas Championship scheduled for September 25‑27.
The next Solheim Cup is slated for 2028 at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, set for September 8‑10. Fans can stay updated on Sky Sports offers or stream the action without a contract on NOW.
The tournament continues to showcase the depth of talent on both sides of the Atlantic, and the 2023 edition will be remembered for Europe’s tenacious comeback, strategic captaincy decisions, and the emergence of new heroes like Charley Hull and Lottie Woad who stepped up when it mattered most.