Lottie Woad made the decisive putt on the 17th hole and, amid the chaos of cheering players and “ole, olé, olé” chants from the fans, Anna Nordqvist tried to put her feelings into words.
I'm so incredibly proud of my team today. It was a very motivated bunch who were on a "mission" this morning. I was incredibly proud to stand on the first tee and see everyone going up there so excited, says Nordqvist.
The Swedish golf legend has played in the Solheim Cup nine times as a player. Now she got to experience a slightly different singles Sunday at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, the Netherlands.
“Very good start”
What looked like a real thriller turned out to be primarily a European show of strength, with no major swings. Europe eventually won 15–13.
We got off to a really good start. The weather wasn't great with all the rain at the beginning and I think that was to our advantage.
The captain was especially proud that the European players lived up to the team's motto - "All in, all team, all heart".
"The girls' attitude was really awesome today – and really all week. We've had an incredibly close-knit team," says Nordqvist.
When she had celebrated with her players and vice-captains, she stepped outside the ropes to also hug all the family members present.
An emotional moment.
"To see them standing here crying, they've been with me at pretty much every Solheim Cup. To share this with all the nephews, some of them skipped school to be here this week. So it means a lot to them too. I haven't cried yet myself. But the tears will probably come soon," says Nordqvist.
The road to this week's victory has not been a straight one. Nordqvist has had to answer a few questions about her somewhat unexpected team selections, including the fact that Charley Hull and Lottie Woad were allowed to play all the games together despite a poor points tally.
“A perfect ending”
Now Nordqvist, in a sense, got the last word when the English women – ranked seventh and eighth in the world – won their singles matches.
There was no hesitation in sending Charley out first today, to show the way. And then to see Lottie make the decisive putt, to win the Solheim Cup. I don't think there are many questions about that, says the Swede with a laugh.
It's only been a few weeks since she announced her retirement from professional golf. Nordqvist has plans to start a family, but after this triumph, it's not impossible that she will be asked to continue as captain of the European team.
The next Solheim Cup will be held at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky in two years.
Right now it feels like this was a perfect ending. But you should never say never.
Born: June 10, 1987.
Playing career: Won three major titles (2009, 2017 and 2021) and announced her retirement from professional golf at the end of August. Has played nine consecutive Solheim Cups for Europe.
Captaincy career: Was both vice-captain and player in the Solheim Cup in 2023 and 2024, before succeeding Suzann Pettersen. Led Europe to victory at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands.
1998: Pia Nilsson. USA won in Ohio.
2003: Catrin Nilsmark. Europe won in Barsebäck.
2005: Nilsmark. USA won in Indiana.
2007: Helen Alfredsson. USA won in Halmstad.
2013: Liselotte Neumann. Europe won in Colorado.
2015: Carin Koch. USA won in Germany.
2017: Annika Sörenstam. USA won in Iowa.
2026: Anna Nordqvist. Europe won in the Netherlands.
