Great thrill for players and fans
Once every two years, the Ryder Cup brings us a breathtaking match between America and Europe. Now if the Ryder Cup rocks your boat, then hold on to your golfing cap because the prestigeous Solheim Cup, which is also held every other year, is coming to Holland this year. Yes, amazingly the Solheim Cup for some of the best women golfers in the world is taking place in the Netherlands for the first time ever. Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt has the honour of hosting the tournament which begins tomorrow, Friday 11th September and runs through until 13th September 2026. So, if you wish to be impressed over the next few days by awe-inspiring golf, take a trip to North Brabant.
In fact, a Dutch golfer is also Vice Captain to the European Team this year. Anne van Dam is her name and she played in the victorious Solheim Cup team in 2019. Born in Arnhem, 30-year old van Dam has won five times on the Ladies European Tour and represented the Netherlands in the Olympic Games of 2020 and 2024.
“The Solheim Cup is one of the greatest events in golf, there is truly nothing like it. This will be my first time serving as a Vice Captain and I’m excited to bring the experience I’ve gained from playing in the event. It’s going to be an incredible week!” said an enthusiastic Anne van Dam.
Just like the impressive Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup is played over three days with two teams of twelve players: Team Europe and Team US. The first two days are played as foursomes and fourballs with the final day on Sunday played as a singles match. There are 28 points to be won each day.
So which players have the honour of playing in the Solheim Cup?
Team Europe
Charley Hull (England)
Esther Henseleit (Germany)
Lottie Woad (England)
Maja Stark (Sweden)
Céline Boutier (France)
Carlota Ciganda (Spain)
Linn Grant (Sweden)
Nanna Koerstz Madsen (Denmark)
Leona Maguire (Ireland)
Julia López Ramírez (Spain)
Natascha Nadaud (France)
Mimi Rhodes (England)
Team Captain Europe: Anna Nordquist
Ten times Solheim Cup player and three times Major Winner.
Vice Captains: Caroline Hedwall (Sweden); Mel Reid (England) and Anne van Dam (The Netherlands).
How is the team selected? The European Solheim Cup Team is selected from the top two players on the LET Solheim Cup Points List; the best 6 players on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking and the Captain’s choice of four other players.
Team US
Nelly Korda (Florida)
Angel Yin (California)
Jennifer Kupcho (Colorado)
Yealimi Noh (California)
Austin Kim (Florida)
Lauren Coughlin (Virginia)
Allisen Corpuz (Hawaii)
Andrea Lee (California)
Alison Lee (California)
Lindy Duncan (Florida)
Megan Khang (Massachussets)
Rose Zhang (California)
Team Captain US: Angela Stanford
Six times Solheim Cup player and seven times champion on the LPGA Tour.
Vice Captains: Kristy McPherson; Paula Creamer and Brittany Lang.
How is the team selected? The US Solheim Cup is selected from the best 7 players on the LPGA points list with another 2 on the basis of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and the Captain then has three picks to complete the team.
Solheim Cup history
If you’re wondering about the history of the event, well, Team US leads the series by 11-7-1. Here is how the last five years shaped-up:
2024 US 15.5 – 12.5 Europe.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, Gainesville, Virginia.
2023 US 14 – 14 Europe.
Finca Cortesin, Malaga, Spain.
2021 Europe 15 – 13 US.
Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio.
2019 Europe 14.5 – 13.5 US.
Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland.
2017 US 16.5 – 11.5 Europe.
Des Moines Golf & Country Club, West Des Moines, Iowa.
The Solheim Cup players have an early start to their rounds on Friday and Saturday at Bernardus Golf. The foursomes matches begin at 07.40 and the fourballs at 13.05, local time.
It is going to be a thrilling few days in Holland. So we look forward to seeing you there!
Wendy Hoad
Editor
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: The victorious US Solheim Cup team of 2024.