Europe announces new Solheim Cup captain

Anna Nordqvist has been announced as the Solheim Cup captain for next year’s clash with the USA in the Netherlands.

A playing vice-captain in 2023 and again in 2024, in what was her ninth time representing Europe in the Solheim Cup, Nordqvist has been on the winning side five times and is one of Europe’s most successful players.

A three-time major winner, the Swede has amassed a further six LPGA titles and four LET wins, including the 2022 Dutch Ladies Open.

“I am so honoured to be appointed as the 2026 European Solheim Cup captain,” said the 37-year-old. “Whether we were winning or losing, the Solheim Cup has played such a huge part in my career ever since I made my debut in 2009 in Chicago.

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“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.”

Nordqvist takes over from Suzann Pettersen who led Europe into the previous two matches.

Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour, commented: “We are delighted to announce Anna as our captain for the 2026 Solheim Cup. She has been such an important member of the European team over the years – both on and off the course – and she was excellent in the role of playing vice-captain last year.

“She has been a wonderful ambassador for European golf throughout her career, both as an individual and as part of the team, and I can tell you that the news of this appointment will no doubt be extremely popular amongst the players.”

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The 2026 match will see Europe attempt to wrestle back the trophy following their defeat to the USA at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club last autumn.

Designed by the acclaimed Kyle Phillips, host venue Bernardus Golf opened for play in 2018 and has already hosted three editions of the KLM Open on the DP World Tour.

“It’s a superb course for match-play with fantastic facilities and a stunning clubhouse so we couldn’t ask for a better stage for the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup,” added 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.”

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Head of Content