Europe Defeats USA to Reclaim 2026 Solheim Cup in the Netherlands
Team Europe secured a dramatic 15-13 victory over the United States at Bernardus Golf, reclaiming the Solheim Cup with standout performances and a decisive final-day singles showing.
By Nadia Hussain · First published 13 Sept 2026
In brief
- The 2026 Solheim Cup took place at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from September 11 to 13.
- After two days, Europe and the USA were tied 8-8, setting up a decisive singles session on Sunday.
- Europe clinched the Solheim Cup with a 15-13 victory, thanks to a strong 7-4 performance in the singles matches.
- Lottie Woad secured the winning point for Europe, with Carlota Ciganda and Charley Hull also delivering key wins.
- Team captain Anna Nordqvist led Europe to victory and addressed US claims about the course favoring her team.
Timeline · 8 moments
Solheim Cup to take place at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands
Sky Sports ↗Opening day ends in 4-4 tie after dramatic matches
Sky Sports ↗Europe builds 7-5 lead after morning foursomes
www.espn.com - TOP Sports ↗USA fights back to level score at 8-8 after day two
Telegraaf ↗Europe dominates singles matches on final day
Latest news, sport and opinion from the Guardian ↗Lottie Woad secures victory for Europe with crucial putt
BBC Sport ↗Europe defeats USA 15-13 to reclaim Solheim Cup
Sky Sports ↗Europe wins Solheim Cup after dramatic singles session
Guardian Sport ↗Update 13 Sept 2026, 7:32 pm UTC
Europe's 15-13 win is confirmed, with Lottie Woad delivering the decisive putt and Carlota Ciganda also securing a key point. Anna Nordqvist's captaincy and her response to US claims about course set-up have drawn attention. Charley Hull and rookies such as Woad and Nadaud were crucial for Europe. Esther Henseleit, despite a singles loss, celebrated her first team triumph.
How it started
The Solheim Cup is the premier team event in women's golf, pitting Europe against the United States every two years. In 2026, the event took place for the first time in the Netherlands, at Bernardus Golf. Team Europe aimed to reclaim the trophy after a close loss to the US in Virginia two years earlier, fueling motivation for their players.
Both teams arrived with high expectations and strong lineups, including notable rookies and experienced leaders. The event promised intense competition, with the European crowd and unpredictable weather adding extra challenges for the visitors.
How it unfolded
The tournament began on September 11 with closely contested matches. After the first day, the teams were tied 4-4, thanks to a late surge by Europe's Carlota Ciganda, who secured a crucial point in the fourballs.
On September 12, Europe initially took the lead, going up 7-5 after the morning foursomes. However, Team USA responded strongly in the afternoon fourballs, leveling the score at 8-8 by the end of the day. This set up a tense Sunday with everything to play for in the singles matches.
The final day saw Europe dominate the singles. Key performances from rookies Julia Lopez Ramirez, Lottie Woad, and Nastasia Nadaud helped swing the momentum. Woad's composed putting on the 17th hole sealed the decisive point for Europe, while Nadaud capped an impressive debut by defeating Andrea Lee.
By the end of the singles, Europe had reached 15 points to the USA's 13, clinching the Solheim Cup in front of home fans.
Where it stands
Europe has reclaimed the Solheim Cup, ending a two-year wait since their previous defeat to the United States. The 15-13 win was achieved through a strong team effort, with rookies and experienced players contributing at key moments.
The event was marked by dramatic swings in momentum, but Europe's final-day singles performance proved decisive. The result is a source of pride for the team and their supporters, especially given the intense competition and pressure.
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