Solheim Cup 2026: How Team USA look to overcome ‘heart-breaking’ near-misses against Team Europe and retain trophy | Golf News

Team USA are determined to overcome ‘heartbreaking’ near misses at the Solheim Cups and successfully retain their trophy on European soil this week, live on Sky Sports.

Angela Stanford’s team arrives at Bernardus Golf as the defending champions, following their 15.5-12.5 victory over Team Europe in Virginia two years ago, leaving Team USA chasing back-to-back victories for the first time since 2017.

It’s been 11 years since the United States last won in Europe, when a record-breaking final-day comeback overturned a 10-6 deficit and grabbed a one-point win in Germany, with Team USA having fared remarkably poorly in the last two editions away.

Team USA lost by one point at Gleneagles in 2019 after Suzann Pettersen’s iconic singles shot, then followed up with a loss at home in 2021, letting go of their commanding opening-day lead to tie 14-14 at Finca Cortes in Spain two years later.

“It’s always really hard to win on foreign soil,” American Andrea Lee said at her press conference. “I think we played very well and came very close last time in Spain.

“It was pretty heartbreaking to end up in a draw and Europe to stay, but I think a lot of us from that team are here this week. We’re just very motivated to keep the (Solheim) Cup and try to win again on foreign soil.”

Team USA traveled together — corpses included — from Atlanta to the Netherlands on Saturday, spending the next day as tourists in Amsterdam before turning their focus to Solheim Cup week.

Attention to detail with the American camp has seen kit and bag designs linked to past successes on away soil, including their win in Sweden in 2007 before their win in Germany in 2015.

“I think something about this format just brings a fire from the European girls that they’re going to come out and play great golf, and they’re great competitors to play against, so I think that’s something we’re preparing for,” explained Alison Lee.

“Obviously, coming here to Europe is always difficult. I never play in the rain or the wind, but I think that’s something we all expect.

“We know that if we come out and do our best to play good golf, and hopefully have some chemistry there, I think we have a really good chance this year.”

Andrea Lee added: “If we win this week, it would be the fourth win on foreign soil for the United States. I think we’re all really determined to try to keep it going.”

The last four Solheim Cups have had a combined winning margin of six points, compared to a 24-point margin in the last four Ryder Cups, with Team USA failing to close out late opportunities for success on the road.

“In Spain (2023), we were very close,” insisted world No 1 Nelly Korda. “They drew with Europe, so they retained the (Solheim) Cup. For Gleneagles, I feel like we played really well, but maybe we haven’t had our moment (our way) while we’re in Europe.

“I think what Ang (Stanford) and the assistants have been saying this week is to really lean on each other. When it gets tough, we all have to realize that we’re here for each other and we also have so many people out there that support us.”

Regarding recent disappointments, Angel Yin admitted, “As much as we don’t close out the win, it always comes down to the last shot. We always put up a really good fight, even though we’re not familiar with the situation, and I think we’re learning.”

Can Europe claim the Solheim Cup on earth?

Europe’s off-course moves in the team room have included ping pong, darts and a quiz involving photos of cadaver babies in recent days, with personalized pictures among the prizes up for grabs.

Nordqvist’s new line-up features four starters and half a squad that has never experienced a Solheim Cup on home soil, with Charley Hull – making his eighth straight appearance – among the stars hoping to make it.

“I actually feel like there’s a lot less pressure when you’re away,” Hull explained. “We have great crowds at both venues, but it’s definitely a bit more pressure here when it’s a Solheim Cup at home!”

Only Carlota Ciganda has as many Solheim Cup appearances as Hull, in either team, with the Spaniard keen to see Nordqvist follow up her time in her LPGA Tour playing career by leading Europe to victory.

“I would like to win for her (Nordqvist), especially now that she announced her retirement,” revealed Ciganda. “I think it would be a very nice gift for him.

“Not that she needs it because she’s won everything! She’s been a part of so many Solheim Cups and won. She’s hit so many great shots and won majors and done everything. I think she would just be special.

“I think she’s prepared a lot, she’s done her job and she’s ready. Hopefully we can deliver for her.”

When is the Solheim Cup live on Sky Sports?

Sky Sports Golf will have at least 12 hours of live coverage from the first two days, with coverage starting at 6am on Friday and Saturday ahead of the opening foursome which kicks off at 6.40am (7.40am local time).

The afternoon foursomes are scheduled to begin at 12:05pm (1:05pm local time) on both days, with coverage continuing until after the final tee, while Sunday’s singles coverage begins at 9:00am before the opening tee is shot at 10:10am.

Sky Sports+ will have live coverage of the closing ceremony from 5.30pm on Sunday, following the crowning of the Solheim Cup winner, while the opening ceremony on Thursday at 4.30pm will reveal the opening day pairings.

Who will win the Solheim Cup? Watch Team Europe’s bid to reclaim the trophy exclusively live on Sky Sports, with all three days live from September 11-13 on Sky Sports Golf. Get the latest Sky Sports offers OR transmission without contract in TANI.

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