The 2026 Solheim Cup arrives in the Netherlands for the first time. The biggest team event in women’s golf will take place from September 11 to 13 at Bernardus Golf.

Europe and the United States will renew one of golf’s greatest rivalries at the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup. Three days of competition will determine who lifts the trophy in one of the most important events on the women’s golf calendar.

Foursomes, fourballs and singles matches will put the world’s best players to the test. Every shot will matter. Precision will be crucial on the wide, undulating greens of Bernardus Golf.

Anna Nordqvist makes her debut as European captain

Anna Nordqvist knows the pressure of the Solheim Cup better than most. The Swede made nine consecutive appearances as a player from 2009 onwards.

During that time, she contributed to four European victories. She was also part of the team that retained the trophy after the 2023 edition ended in a tie.

Now she faces a new challenge. Nordqvist will captain Team Europe for the first time.

Her Solheim Cup record is impressive. The Swede has registered 17 wins and three halves in her matches.

Reflecting on what the event means to her, Nordqvist highlights the team spirit and the unique emotion of competing under pressure in front of the fans.

“There is no better feeling than doing something with your team, winning together or sharing those moments with your teammates.”

The Swede also recalls the experience of standing on the first tee with the pressure of the event, surrounded by singing fans and facing crucial putts.

Angela Stanford leads Team USA

On the other side will be Angela Stanford. The American will also take on the captaincy for the first time.

Stanford brings extensive Solheim Cup experience. She made six appearances as a player and contributed to three United States victories.

She then served as an assistant captain in three consecutive editions from 2021 onwards. That included the most recent edition in 2024, when the United States secured victory on home soil.

Now she faces the challenge of leading Team USA as it looks to defend its Solheim Cup title.

“I cannot explain the adrenaline around a Solheim Cup,” Stanford says. The American explains that the feeling is completely different whether she is competing as a player or serving as an assistant captain.

Rolex, a long-standing Solheim Cup partner

Nordqvist and Stanford have also witnessed the evolution of the Solheim Cup alongside Rolex, one of the competition’s longest-standing partners.

Rolex’s relationship with golf began in 1967. Since then, the Swiss watchmaker has maintained a close association with some of the sport’s most influential figures.

Among them are Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, the legendary “Big Three”.

Rolex has been Official Timekeeper and Worldwide Partner of the Solheim Cup since 1994. Its relationship with the event also underlines its long-standing commitment to women’s golf.

For Nordqvist, Rolex’s support has played an important role in the growth of the competition. The Swede also highlights the brand’s support for the teams, captains and host continent.

The Solheim Cup, a history of iconic moments

The Solheim Cup was first played in 1990. Since then, the biennial contest has produced some of the most memorable moments in women’s golf.

Players such as Nancy Lopez, Annika Sörenstam, Lexi Thompson and Albane Valenzuela have all left their mark on the history of the competition.

Rose Zhang will also be part of the United States team, making her third Solheim Cup appearance.

Beyond the final result, the Solheim Cup represents a celebration of elite performance, camaraderie and team spirit.

In 2026, that history will continue at Bernardus Golf. For the first time, the Netherlands will host this great battle between Europe and the United States.

Three days of competition will decide the champion. Once again, the Solheim Cup is ready to write a new chapter in the history of women’s golf.