The Solheim Cup, the pinnacle of women's team golf, has arrived in the Netherlands for the first time, taking centre stage at Bernardus Golf, where Anna Nordqvist is hoping to captain Europe to glory.
At the 20th edition of the biennial contest, Europe and the United States will renew one of the sport’s most celebrated rivalries as some of the world’s best players go head-to-head across three days of intense competition. Contested amid an atmosphere of heightened passion, the foursomes, fourballs and singles matches are poised to deliver more defining moments, with every shot carrying the weight of a continent’s hopes. Victory on these vast, undulating greens will require the utmost precision as both teams chase glory.
Rolex Testimonee Nordqvist knows the unique demands of this competition, having played an instrumental role on numerous occasions. The Swede will captain Team Europe for the first time following nine consecutive appearances as a player dating back to 2009 and having contributed to four victories and one retention when the contest was tied in 2023. Her remarkable legacy is further reflected through an outstanding overall individual record that includes 17 wins and three halves. Speaking about her experience of playing in the event, Nordqvist says:
"There is no better feeling than doing something with your team, winning together or sharing those moments with your teammates. When you look back, you really come to appreciate it; the feeling of standing on the first tee with all the pressure, the fans singing for you and making those pressure putts in the moment."
(Image Credit: Rolex/Chris Turvey)
Fellow Testimonee Angela Stanford also steps up to the captaincy for the first time with many years of experience behind her. The American has contributed to three victories in six playing appearances before serving as the assistant captain in three consecutive editions since 2021, including a home triumph in the most recent edition in 2024. Now leading from the front as the United States bids to defend its title, Stanford explains the joy in preparing for battle:
"I cannot explain the adrenaline around a Solheim Cup, whether I was playing or as an assistant captain. It’s a completely different type of adrenaline and I love it. I’m having a blast, I’m living a dream."
Both Nordqvist and Stanford have witnessed the evolution of the Solheim Cup alongside Rolex, one of its most long-standing partners. Since establishing its relationship with golf in 1967, founded on a handshake with Arnold Palmer and a lasting association with the game’s highly influential Big Three - Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player - the Swiss watchmaker has become synonymous with the sport’s most prestigious players, organisations and championships. Rolex has served as Official Timekeeper and Worldwide Partner of the Solheim Cup since 1994, underlining its commitment to women’s golf.
"The Solheim Cup wouldn’t be where it is today without Rolex’s support and without them helping to push boundaries," Nordqvist says. "The legacy of Rolex is important. I feel very fortunate to be part of the Rolex family, and in terms of the Solheim Cup, I know of the brand’s support for the host continent, the teams and the captains. Having their support now in my captaincy is special, too."
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Since the inaugural edition in 1990, the competition has produced some of golf’s most spectacular moments. Rolex Testimonees Nancy Lopez, Annika Sörenstam, Lexi Thompson and Albane Valenzuela have all played their part in the event’s rich history, while Rose Zhang is set to make her third appearance for the United States this year. More than a contest, it stands as a celebration of elite performance, camaraderie and team spirit. In 2026, that legacy continues at Bernardus Golf, where a new chapter will be written, legends forged and lasting memories made on Dutch soil.
