Welcome to this week’s Golf Insider, everyone, and happy Solheim Cup week.
Before we dive into a preview of the 2026 edition, let me get sentimental for just a moment. The Solheim Cup will always occupy a very special place in my heart because it was the subject of my first ever Golf Thursday post here at The IX Sports. I can’t believe it’s been two years!
But here we are; we’re back two years later for another edition of the Solheim Cup, the premier team golf event between the United States and Europe. This time around, from Sept. 11-13, we head back across the pond to visit the European team on their soil at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands.
The Solheim Cup has never visited the Netherlands, and the Dutch championship course is bursting into the spotlight with its first big-ticket host job. Bernardus has held three Dutch Opens but never something as prestigious as the Solheim Cup. Skratch Golf’s Addie Parker says that ball striking and accuracy are going to be important to hone this week because the fairways are firm and fast.
And, just like any European test, the rain and wind will most certainly play a factor. However, as the years go on and golf gets more global, it’s hard to distinguish which team has the advantage when it comes to uniquely European course conditions. Many a time, Americans have finished better than Europeans at the AIG Women’s Open and tournaments of the like. But the Solheim Cup is a blank slate.
The Americans are looking to retain the Cup after a dominant victory two years ago in Gainesville, Va. — their first Solheim victory since 2017. But the U.S. hasn’t won a Solheim Cup on European soil since 2015, and that’s the piece of history we’re going to have our eyes on this week.
So who are the competitors in this year’s clash? U.S. captain Angela Stanford has struck a delicate balance of fresh talent with seasoned experience with her team picks. European captain Anna Nordqvist has curated her bold mix of rookies and veterans as well.
On the American side, Nelly Korda, Lauren Coughlin and Megan Khang are among the Solheim Cup superstars in whom Stanford trusts. Khang’s personality is a must for your squad. The Bay Stater brings a uniquely New English attitude and energy to her Solheim Cup play style.
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But I think the player that’s most dangerous for the Americans is Rose Zhang. She’ll make her third Solheim Cup appearance after going undefeated in 2024. There’s something about Zhang’s approach to team golf that makes her match play game lethal when it matters. It could be all of that Stanford NCAA experience manifesting in her professional career.
“You don’t get many opportunities to play [match play] in the year. So going out there and being able to not only represent [your country], but also play in a slightly different format, it gives a lot more energy to each individual player to try to put their best foot forward,” Zhang said in a pre-tournament press conference on Sept. 9.
Alison Lee and Andrea Lee will renew their roles as keystones of the U.S. team this year as well. If Alison can produce the entertainment and shots she did in 2024, we’re going to have a tournament on our hands.
“I mean, we’re not on home soil anymore, we’re just going to do the best we can to have some fun, regardless of what happens,” Alison said.
“My caddie who caddied for me last time around is out here this week, and he’s definitely doing his best, he’s doing his job right if you can hear the music. But he’s doing the best to keep us pumped up, allow us to have a really good time.”
And now for the home team. Charley Hull, Carlota Ciganda and Celine Boutier bring their veteran firepower to the European side. English youngsters Lottie Woad and Mimi Rhodes will both make their Team Europe debuts this week as well.
But for me, the dark horse and wildcard pick is not any of the four rookies that Nordqvist picked. It’s actually Leona Maguire, who hasn’t been having her best season on tour but is a shoo-in when it comes to the Solheim Cup. Maguire is 8-3-1 in Solheim Cup matches and is making her fourth appearance. The Irishwoman is especially strong in singles matches, where she remains undefeated. If needed, Maguire can contribute a vital point on the final day when it matters most.
“In singles, I tended to be early, so the mindset is to try and put some blue on the board so that when the girls do look at the scoreboard, there’s some blue on it,” Maguire said.
“But ultimately you’re trying to win your match wherever you are, and you’re always a little bit more tired on Sunday after playing and there’s a lot of adrenaline, a lot of crowd energy, and that sort of carries you through.”
The Solheim Cup is where underdogs rise and stars have an even bigger stage to shine on. Can this generation of Americans write their own story on European soil, or will the European home crowd propel their blue and gold side to another home win?
See you next week to find out, golf fans.
This week in women’s golf
Solheim Cup News
Red, white and ready: Introducing the 2026 U.S. Solheim Cup team
Ready for the Netherlands: Introducing the 2026 European Solheim Cup team
Top shots: 2024 Solheim Cup edition
Solheim Cup 2026: Veteran captains Nordqvist, Stanford bring decades of experience to Bernardus
How to watch the 2026 Solheim Cup
Field breakdown: 2026 Solheim Cup
Solheim Cup by the numbers: 10 figures that define the 2026 matches
U.S. team prepared with an alternate if Angel Yin can’t go, but Stanford says she’s here and playing
Rain, gusty winds expected at Bernardus for Solheim Cup weekend
Epson Tour News
Field breakdown: 2026 Guardian Championship
Things to know: 2026 Guardian Championship
Amateur News
U.S. survives Europe comeback, wins 2026 PING Junior Solheim Cup
Ivy Shepherd wins U.S. Women’s Mid-Am in debut
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Five at The IX: The five founding teams of the WTGL and their members
On Aug. 31, the WTGL — the LPGA’s new team indoor golf league — announced the five founding teams and their rosters for the inaugural season. Here they are! Let your excitement build.
Atlanta Drive GC
Andrea Lee
Nataliya Guseva
Charley Hull
Minjee Lee
Yuka Saso
Boston Common Golf
Chizzy Iwai
Celine Boutier
Lottie Woad
Ina Yoon
Megan Khang
Los Angeles Golf Club
Kiara Romero
Gaby Lopez
Michelle Wie West
Aki Iwai
Alison Lee
Motor City Golf Club
Albane Valenzuela
Brooke Henderson
Jeeno Thitikul
Lexi Thompson
Ruoning (Ronni) Yin
New York Golf Club
Yana Wilson
Rose Zhang
Lydia Ko
Linn Grant
Danielle Kang
I think each of these teams has a perfect blend of personality and firepower, young talent and veterans of the game. Splitting up the Iwai twins? Drama! I also enjoyed Justin Ray’s article breaking down the specific strengths of each team. It’s a great read. The first WTGL season kicks off this winter after the LPGA Tour season comes to an end.
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