Anna Nordqvist has been named the captain of the European team for the 2026 Solheim Cup, set to take place from September 7-13 at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, Netherlands. The announcement was made on February 24, 2025, by the Ladies European Tour, marking a significant moment for the 37-year-old Swede, who succeeds Suzann Pettersen in the role.
Nordqvist, a three-time major champion, brings a wealth of experience, having competed in every Solheim Cup since her debut in 2009 — a total of nine appearances. She has been part of five victorious European teams (2011, 2013, 2019, 2021, and a retained title via a 14-14 tie in 2023), amassing 17 wins, 15 losses, and 3 halves in 35 matches, making her one of Europe’s most successful Solheim Cup players.
Nordqvist’s appointment follows her tenure as a playing vice-captain under Pettersen in 2023 and 2024, including last year’s 15.5-12.5 loss to the United States in Virginia — the Americans’ first win since 2017. At 37, she becomes the second-youngest European captain in the event’s history, reflecting a trend of selecting active players with deep competitive insight. Despite her new leadership role, Nordqvist plans to continue playing on the LPGA Tour beyond 2026, balancing her captaincy with her ongoing career, which includes nine LPGA victories and four Ladies European Tour titles alongside her majors.
Her Solheim Cup legacy is notable: she made history with the event’s first hole-in-one in 2013 during Europe’s landmark win on U.S. soil, was Europe’s top scorer in the 2017 defeat with 3.5 points, and contributed key points in multiple victories, including a singles win over Morgan Pressel in 2019 at Gleneagles.
Off the course, Nordqvist has faced significant challenges, including the sudden death of her husband Kevin McAlpine in 2023 during their divorce and surgery in November 2024 to remove a benign cyst and tumor from her stomach. These experiences have shaped her resilience, which she now channels into her captaincy.
Nordqvist expressed her excitement, calling it an honor to lead Europe in her 10th Solheim Cup involvement. She praised Bernardus Golf as an ideal match-play venue, highlighting its proximity to Amsterdam and its facilities, anticipating a vibrant atmosphere for the 20th edition of the event.
The golf community has rallied behind her, with Ladies European Tour CEO Alexandra Armas lauding her as an exceptional ambassador and team player. Europe will aim to reclaim the trophy from the U.S., who lead the all-time series 11-7-1, though Team USA has yet to announce their 2026 captain.
Nordqvist’s leadership, blending experience, grit, and a fresh perspective, positions her as a formidable figure to guide Europe in this prestigious biennial contest.
Grok 3.0 assisted with report.
