Team Europe bounced back to capture the Solheim Cup, edging Team USA 15-13 after a dramatic singles session on a rain‑soaked Sunday at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands. The competition had been deadlocked at 8-8 heading into the final day, meaning Europe needed at least 6.5 points from the twelve singles matches to secure the trophy.
Two years after a heartbreaking loss to the Americans, the Europeans entered the day with confidence, buoyed by Charley Hull’s early surge as she opened the singles with a 3&2 victory over Megan Khang, immediately putting Europe on the board. The day unfolded as a roller‑coaster of leads. Anna Nordqvist’s side briefly commanded eight of the twelve matches, and the advantage grew when Linn Grant defeated Angel Yin 4&3, capping a flawless week for the Swede.
Grant’s win marked only the ninth 4‑0‑0 record in Solheim Cup history, underscoring her dominance. However, the United States kept the contest alive when Alison Lee staged a remarkable comeback, erasing a four‑hole deficit to win 1 up against Esther Henseleit, injecting fresh hope for the American camp. World No.
1 Nelly Korda answered the challenge by beating rookie Mimi Rhodes 4&3, leveling the score once more. Subsequent victories by Europe’s rising stars—Nastasia Nadaud, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, and Julia Lopez Ramirez—pushed the Europeans ever closer to the winning total.
Lottie Woad’s 2&1 triumph over Auston Kim lifted the hosts to 14 points and sparked jubilant celebrations among the European contingent. Meanwhile, veteran Carlota Ciganda, who had helped Europe retain the Cup in 2023, secured at least a half‑point before delivering the decisive point with a win over Jennifer Kupcho, sealing the victory on home soil.
The final day was not without drama. Kupcho’s spectacular birdies on Saturday evening had convinced Team USA captain Angela Stanford that the tide was turning in America’s favor.
Yet Europe surged back, with Hull delivering a commanding 6&4 win over Korda, a performance that justified Nordqvist’s decision to place her at the top of the singles order. Hull’s flawless opening hole, followed by steady play and clutch birdies on the back‑nine, exemplified the composure that defined Europe’s campaign.
Grant’s flawless record continued as she defeated Yin without dropping a point, joining an elite group of players who have finished a Solheim Cup with a perfect 4‑0‑0 score. Lee mirrored that resilience for the United States, rallying from four down to claim a narrow victory against Henseleit, a testament to her tenacity under pressure. Both players highlighted the challenging weather, noting how rain on the front nine limited birdie opportunities but that a later improvement in conditions allowed their games to flourish.
Europe’s younger contingent also shone. Nadaud beat Andrea Lee 3&2, marking her third win in her debut appearance, while Lopez Ramirez completed an unbeaten debut by overcoming Yealimi Noh. Madsen’s win over Allisen Corpuz and Woad’s recovery after losing three consecutive holes on the back nine demonstrated the depth of the European roster.
Ciganda, meanwhile, built an early lead against Kupcho and held firm to capture the winning point, expressing pride in what she described as “one of the best teams we’ve had in recent years.” Team USA’s rookie Lindy Duncan ended Maja Stark’s perfect run, and Lauren Coughlin handed Leona Maguire her first Solheim singles defeat, narrowing Europe’s margin. Rose Zhang’s 2‑up victory over Celine Boutier in the bottom match left the Frenchwoman without a point for the week, further tightening the overall score.
In post‑match reflections, European captain Anna Nordqvist praised the collective effort, emphasizing the extensive preparation and support staff that allowed the players to focus solely on their golf. She highlighted the positive atmosphere and the team’s ability to start and finish strongly despite the unpredictable weather. Conversely, USA captain Angela Stanford acknowledged Europe’s resilience, noting that the Americans had executed many aspects of their game correctly but that the Europeans “had nothing to lose” and seized the moment when it mattered most.
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 before the Walmart N Arkansas Championship in late September. The next Solheim Cup is scheduled for 2028 at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, where the world’s top women golfers will once again clash for the prestigious trophy.