The Swedish Anna Nordqvist has been named European captain for the Solheim Cup 2026, which will be held at Bernardus Golf (Netherlands) from 7 to 13 September 2026.
Nordqvist was vice-captain in 2023 and again in 2024, marking her ninth time representing Europe in the Solheim. She has been on the winning side five times and is one of the most decorated European players. A three-time Major winner, she has accumulated six other LPGA titles and four LET titles, including the Dutch Ladies Open in 2022. Nordqvist, 37, remains active on the Tour and plans to continue playing beyond the 2026 Solheim Cup, allowing her to closely follow both her potential teammates and her rivals.
Nordqvist has won 17 of her 35 Solheim Cup matches and tied three: “I am very honoured to have been named Captain of the 2026 European Solheim Cup. Whether we win or lose, the Solheim Cup has played a very important role in my career since I debuted in 2009 in Chicago. The friendships I’ve made and the memories created during the nine editions I’ve played make it incredibly special to have the opportunity to be European Captain in my tenth Solheim Cup.”
Speaking from experience after her visit to Bernardus Golf in September 2023: “I feel especially fortunate to be the captain at Bernardus Golf. It’s a magnificent course for match play, with fantastic facilities and an impressive clubhouse, so we couldn’t ask for a better setting for the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup. Additionally, it’s very close to Amsterdam, so I believe fans will have an incredible experience enjoying its rich culture and the famous warm Dutch hospitality.”
Alexandra Armas, Chief Executive of the Ladies European Tour, commented: “We are delighted to announce Anna as our Captain for the Solheim Cup 2026. She has been a very important member of the European team over the years – both on and off the course – and was excellent in the role of vice-captain last year. She has been a magnificent ambassador for European golf throughout her career, both individually and as part of the team, and I can assure you that the news of this appointment will undoubtedly be very popular among the players.”
The Netherlands boasts over 270 golf courses, from picturesque forest and coastal landscapes to parkland types. With 430,000 registered golfers in the country, it offers the perfect golf destination for both passionate enthusiasts and casual players. Known for its hospitality and stunning golf courses, Holland is the ideal setting for the 2026 Solheim Cup. All golf courses are within easy reach, and Bernardus Golf is no exception. Located in Cromvoirt, near Eindhoven and the historic city of Hertogenbosch, it is easily accessible by train, just over an hour’s journey (65 miles) from Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Central Station, and only 20 miles from Eindhoven Airport.
Designed by renowned American golf course architect Kyle Phillips, the course features a design with challenging water hazards and a compact layout. Open to everyone via green fee, it focuses on offering exceptional experience and enjoyment. The only rule is “there are no rules”: it’s a place to relax, play a course with top-notch practice facilities, and enjoy off-course offerings, including an architecturally impressive clubhouse with a Michelin-starred restaurant, a spa, and lodge accommodation.
Since its opening in 2018, Bernardus has hosted three editions of the KLM Dutch Open on the DP World Tour (2021-2023) and is ready and well-positioned to provide a spectacular setting for the 2026 Solheim Cup. As one of the leading events in women’s sport, spectators anticipate an exceptional experience where sport, entertainment, and hospitality blend seamlessly at the highest level. The last European edition in 2023 took place in Spain, at Finca Cortesín, and ended with a dramatic 14-14 tie in which Europe retained the Solheim Cup, while the USA triumphed 15 ½ -12 ½ in the last edition in Virginia.
The tournament will be held in collaboration with IMG, which has been appointed by the LET as the organising partner of the European Solheim Cup for an initial period extending from 2026 to the end of 2038. Together, the NGF, Bernardus, the LET, and IMG aim to organise a top Solheim Cup in 2026 that sets a benchmark in women’s sporting events, leaving a positive long-term legacy for Bernardus, Dutch golf, the Netherlands, and the local community.
