Europe reclaimed the Solheim Cup with a memorable 15–13 victory over the United States at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands.
With the contest finely balanced at 8–8 heading into Sunday’s singles, captain Anna Nordqvist’s side produced a superb final-day performance to regain the trophy lost in Virginia two years ago.
Charley Hull secured Europe’s opening point of the day before victories from Linn Grant, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Nastasia Nadaud and Julia López Ramírez moved the hosts closer to their target.
The decisive moment was delivered by English rookie Lottie Woad, who defeated Auston Kim 2&1. Woad calmly holed from two feet on the 17th green to secure the point that guaranteed the Cup would return to European hands.
Carlota Ciganda, one of Europe’s most experienced and dependable Solheim Cup performers, completed a commanding 4&2 victory over Jennifer Kupcho as celebrations swept across Bernardus Golf.
It was a particularly special triumph for Nordqvist, who guided Europe to victory in her first appearance as captain following an outstanding Solheim Cup playing career.
Leona Maguire played an important role in Europe’s Solheim Cup victory, contributing two valuable points alongside Germany’s Esther Henseleit. The pair defeated Andrea Lee and Lindy Duncan 2 up in Friday’s foursomes before securing a dramatic 1-up victory over Jennifer Kupcho and Rose Zhang on Saturday. That second win was Maguire’s tenth in just 14 Solheim Cup matches, making her the fastest player in the competition’s history to reach the landmark. It was another impressive contribution from the Cavan golfer, who has firmly established herself as one of Europe’s most dependable match-play performers. Partnering Germany’s Esther Henseleit, Maguire won both of her foursomes matches. The pair defeated Andrea Lee and Lindy Duncan 2 up on Friday before producing a brilliant comeback to edge Jennifer Kupcho and Rose Zhang on the 18th hole on Saturday. That second victory was Maguire’s tenth Solheim Cup match win, achieved in just 14 matches – the fastest any player has reached that landmark in the history of the competition.
Europe and the United States had been inseparable over the opening two days. Friday ended level at 4–4 before Europe won Saturday morning’s foursomes session 3–1. The Americans responded by taking the afternoon fourballs by the same margin, leaving everything to play for in Sunday’s 12 singles matches.
Europe rose to the occasion, winning six singles matches and halving another to complete a dramatic two-point victory.
The result represents Europe’s fourth success in the past five editions of the competition and their eighth Solheim Cup victory overall.
The Solheim Cup will now travel to Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky in 2028, where Europe will attempt to retain the trophy on American soil.
