Solheim Cup 2026: History points to another thriller
The 2026 Solheim Cup begins Friday at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, with past European clashes decided by one point or fewer.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- The 2026 Solheim Cup takes place at Bernardus Golf near Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, starting Friday.
- The last three European editions were decided by a margin of just one point, tied on aggregate at 42.
- All 24 players enter the team competition without standout individual form, setting up unpredictable matches.
Recent history suggests this week's Solheim Cup will be another epic clash to follow hot on the heels of Great Britain and Ireland's dramatic victory over the United States in the Walker Cup. The extraordinary climax at Lahinch, where GB&I won with the final putt of the match, evoked memories of the past three Solheim Cups staged in Europe.
Three years ago in Spain, the contest ended in a dramatic 14-14 tie allowing the European team to retain the trophy, having initially wrestled it from American hands with a single-point victory at Gleneagles in 2019. Back then, it was Suzann Pettersen's successful putt on the final green in Scotland that decided the outcome, while the 2015 contest in Germany saw the United States orchestrate a stunning single-point away comeback.
As a result, the past three matches in Europe have had no more than a point between them, leaving the home team and the US tied on aggregate at 42 points apiece. British number one Lottie Woad, making her debut for Europe this week, emphasized the immense value of every single match. Woad joins fellow rookie teammates including Mimi Rhodes, Nastasia Nadaud, and Julia Lopez Ramirez.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The three-day contest starts on Friday with four foursomes matches followed by four fourballs, a format replicated on Saturday before Sunday's 12 singles matches. Ironically, none of the 24 players bring stellar individual form into the tournament, not even world number one Nelly Korda, who claimed her fourth title of the year at the US Women's Open in June but has recorded only two top-10 finishes since.
"When everyone shows up on Friday, you're just going to bring your best game."
European Team Player
Bernardus Golf near Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands features a Surrey heathland feel that plays similarly to a seaside links course. Tricky wind conditions and demanding closing holes like the 15th and 18th are expected to heavily influence the outcome of tight matches.
Players will contend with packed grandstands around the opening tee, but true drama is expected down the closing stretch at Bernardus Golf, which hosted the Dutch Open from 2021 to 2023. Key holes like the 15th and the demanding 389-yard par-four 18th with water hazards and tiny greens will test players if matches go the distance.
Source: BBC Sport
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