Captains ride into town as Solheim Cup countdown begins
Dutch cycling sets the tone for a year of build-up to Bernardus
Las Vegas - The road to the 2026 Solheim Cup officially began on 8 September at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands with a day that combined golf, cycling and community spirit. European Captain Anna Nordqvist and Vice-Captain Caroline Hedwall joined USA Captain Angela Stanford and Assistant Captain Paula Creamer for the “Year to Go” milestone, swapping clubs for bicycles as they pedalled through ’s-Hertogenbosch with Dutch cyclists Fem van Empel and Lieke Nooijen.
The ride traced the same scenic route thousands of fans are expected to follow next September when the Solheim Cup is staged in the Netherlands for the first time. Sustainability is at the heart of the build-up, with the 20th edition of the contest aiming to set new standards for eco-friendly sporting events. Low-emission travel, integrated ticketing and renewable energy are central to a programme that will also include waste reduction, local catering and active nature restoration.
Bernardus Golf, recognised among Europe’s most sustainable clubs, underlined its credentials by hosting the captains and local youngsters for an afternoon of questions and answers. Nordqvist admitted she was relishing both the responsibility and the moment: “With this warm welcome we can really feel the wonderful community interest and support for the 2026 Solheim Cup. I think the build-up will go by quickly, but I am taking a moment to enjoy this very special day and to look forward to what will undoubtedly be the proudest week of my life next September.”
Stanford, who has played in six Solheim Cups and claimed three wins, had already taken the measure of the host course. “I played the course this morning, and Paula and I really feel that Bernardus will be a fantastic stage to showcase the 2026 Solheim Cup and our incredible teams,” she said. “The course layout and condition were both stellar. The team here is building a great programme for the fans – the biking kick-off was a blast.”
The match, scheduled for 7–13 September 2026, will be the latest chapter in the biennial transatlantic rivalry that continues to grow in stature as one of the premier events in women’s sport. With both captains already immersed in preparations, the wheels — quite literally — are in motion.