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Solheim Cup 2026: Anna Nordqvist takes command for Europe

Anna Nordqvist will captain Europe in the 2026 Solheim Cup. The Swede wants to lead her team to victory against the USA in the Netherlands.

The three-time major winner will lead the European team at the 2026 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)
The three-time major winner will lead the European team at the 2026 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)

For Anna Nordqvist, the Solheim Cup is more than just a tournament – it is part of her golf DNA. In 2003, as a teenager in Sweden, she stood on the fairway and watched her first Solheim Cup live. At the time, she had just started playing golf properly. Now, more than 20 years later, she returns as captain – and thus comes full circle.

Since her debut in 2009, she has played for Europe in nine Solheim Cups and was the playing vice-captain in 2023 and 2024. Now she is taking over the helm from Suzann Pettersen and aims to lead Europe to victory at the 2026 Solheim Cup in the Netherlands. “The Solheim Cup has played such a huge part in my career ever since I made my debut in 2009 in Chicago”, said Nordqvist in the tournaments’ press release. “The friendships I have made, and the memories created during the nine matches I’ve played, make it so incredibly special to be given the opportunity to be European Captain at my tenth Solheim Cup!”

The Solheim Cup is coming to Bernadus Golf

From September 7-13, 2026, Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands will be the stage for one of the biggest events in women’s golf. “It’s a superb course,” says Nordqvist. “It’s also super close to Amsterdam so I think the fans are going to have an amazing experience enjoying its rich culture and the famous warm Dutch hospitality.” After the dramatic 14-14 draw in Spain in 2023 and the defeat in Virginia in 2024, the European team is keen to get the trophy back.

A new perspective on the sport

Nordqvist has experienced a lot on and off the course. In recent years, she has had to cope with serious personal setbacks, including the sudden death of her ex-husband and health challenges. But instead of being broken by them, she has fought back time and again.

“I think my life perspective has changed a little bit like the last couple of years and you’ve just got to do things that you want to do”, she told the Sky Sports Golf podcast.

Despite her new role, she remains active on the LPGA Tour – not only for personal ambition, but also to keep a closer eye on her potential team members. “I was interested because I wanted to do this at a time in my career when I can still be out there [competing]”, Nordqvist explained. “I still know the players, the coaches, the caddies and everyone, because I wanted to be approachable.”

Nordqvist has already spoken to former captains and wants to put her own stamp on the role. “There are so many things I admire about all the different captains. I think at the end of the day, you can learn and you can try to implement things, but I think the most important is just me trying to be myself.”