The 2026 Solheim Cup began on Friday morning at Bernardus Golf, delivering an electrifying atmosphere as Europe faced off against the United States. The event started shortly after 6:40 am BST, with fans creating a deafening chorus of chants and cheers that nearly drowned out the tournament starter.
Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz were the first to emerge from the tunnel, greeted by loud whooping and hollering from the gallery. Korda took a moment to snap selfies with her phone before preparing for her tee shot. Corpuz launched the tournament’s opening drive straight down the center of the fairway.
The noise level intensified as the European pairing of Charley Hull and debutant Lottie Woad made their entrance. Woad, competing in her first Solheim Cup, sent her drive into the semi-rough on the left side of the 364-yard, par-four first hole. Despite the slight miss, the party-like energy in the stands signaled the start of what promises to be a thrilling competition.
Is it just me or did Corpuz’s opening drive look suspiciously perfect? Sometimes beginners’ luck really does exist in golf.
Lottie Woad’s first major event and she already has the crowd on her side. What a debutant debut!
I was worried about the early tee times, but watching those fans chant since 6:40 am shows true dedication to the game.
Nelly Korda taking selfies before the first drive? Love her confidence. The atmosphere sounds absolutely incredible!