Team USA arrives at the Bernardus Golf Course in the Netherlands this week determined to overcome a history of painful defeats on European soil and successfully defend their Solheim Cup title. Angela Stanford’s squad enters as defending champions following their 15.5-12.5 victory over Team Europe in Virginia two years ago, seeking their first back-to-back titles since 2017.
The United States has not won a Solheim Cup on foreign soil in 11 years. That distinction last occurred during a dramatic final-day comeback in Germany, where Team USA overturned a 10-6 deficit to secure a one-point win. However, the Americans have fallen agonizingly short in both of the previous two away editions.
In 2019 at Gleneagles, Team USA lost by a single point after Suzann Pettersen’s iconic winning putt in the singles. Two years later at Finca Cortesin in Spain, the Americans surrendered a commanding opening-day lead, resulting in a 14-14 tie that allowed Europe to retain the trophy.
“It’s always really hard to win on foreign soil,” said American golfer Andrea Lee during her press conference. “I think we played really well and came so close last time in Spain. It was pretty heart-breaking to end in a tie and for Europe to retain, but I think a lot of us from that team are here this week. We’re just very motivated to keep the Cup and try to win on foreign soil again.”
The American camp has emphasized attention to detail, with clothing and bag designs linked to past away victories in Sweden in 2007 and Germany in 2015. The team traveled together from Atlanta to the Netherlands on Saturday, spending a day sightseeing in Amsterdam before shifting their focus entirely to the competition.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda acknowledged the challenges posed by the European conditions and crowd support. “In Spain, we were super close. They tied with Europe, so they retained the Cup. For Gleneagles, I feel like we played really well, but maybe haven’t had momentum go our way while we’re in Europe,” Korda said. She added that the captaincy staff has urged the team to rely on one another during difficult moments.
Alison Lee noted the unique pressure Europeans face on home soil. “I think something about this format just brings a fire out of the European girls that they will come out and play amazing golf,” Lee explained. “Obviously coming over here to Europe is always difficult. I don’t ever play in the rain or wind, but I think that’s something we’re all expecting.”
For Team Europe, captained by Anna Nordqvist, the event carries extra significance as the Swede prepares to retire from her LPGA Tour playing career. Nordqvist’s roster includes four rookies and several players experiencing their first home Solheim Cup. Spaniard Carlota Ciganda, who matches Hull’s record of eight appearances on either team, expressed a desire to win the tournament for her captain.
“I would love to win for her, especially now after announcing her retirement,” Ciganda said. “I think it would be a very nice present for her. Not that she needs it, because she’s won everything! … I think she’s prepared really hard, she’s done her job and she’s ready. Hopefully we can deliver for her.”
Charley Hull, making her eighth consecutive Solheim Cup appearance, admitted the home advantage brings its own burdens. “I actually feel like there’s a lot less pressure when you’re away,” Hull said. “We get big crowds both places, but obviously it’s a little more pressure over here when it’s a home Solheim Cup!”
Sky Sports will provide extensive coverage of the event, with live broadcasting commencing on Friday and Saturday mornings. The competition runs from September 11-13, with Sunday singles play beginning at 10:10 am local time.
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