Full Breakdown
Europe captain picks Leona Maguire and three rookies for 2026 Solheim Cup
8/4/2026, 11:18:20 AM
Core Selection Announcement
On Monday, August 3, Europe captain Anna Nordqvist announced her four captain’s picks for the 2026 Solheim Cup. Veteran Irish golfer Leona Maguire joins three first-time selections—Julia Lopez Ramirez (Spain), Nastasia Nadaud (France) and Mimi Rhodes (England). The 12-player European squad will compete at Bernardus Golf Club in the Netherlands from September 11-13.
Background & Context
The Solheim Cup returned to Europe in 2024 but was lost on home soil, with the United States winning 15½-12½ in Virginia. Automatic qualification closed after the AIG Women’s Open, securing spots for the top two on the Ladies European Tour points list—Charley Hull and Esther Henseleit—and six players via the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. The remaining places are filled at the captain’s discretion.
Data & Statistics
- Leona Maguire – 31, world ranking 83, 8.5 points from 12 Solheim Cup matches (three wins, one half, three defeats).
- Julia Lopez Ramirez – 23, second season on the LPGA Tour, yet to win a professional event.
- Nastasia Nadaud – 21, winner of the 2025 Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España, made every major cut in 2026.
- Mimi Rhodes – 24, three LET victories in 2025 and LET Rookie of the Year.
- Automatic qualifiers also include Lottie Woad, Maja Stark, Linn Grant, Céline Boutier, Carlota Ciganda and Nanna Koerstz-Madsen.
Official Statements & Responses
Captain Nordqvist said the selections balance experience with youthful energy. She highlighted Maguire’s match-play temperament and the rookies’ recent performances as evidence of their readiness for Solheim Cup pressure. United States captain Angela Stanford will announce her team on August 24.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Leona has proved herself at the Solheim Cup, she has a huge passion for the European team and her record speaks for itself,” — Anna Nordqvist
- “It's always been a dream and goal of mine to play in the Solheim Cup,” — Mimi Rhodes
- “I’m really excited to be part of Team Europe again in September and I’m happy that Anna has picked me to be on the team,” — Leona Maguire
Timeline
- August 3 – Captain’s picks announced.
- August 24 – U.S. captain Angela Stanford to announce Team USA.
- September 11-13 – Solheim Cup matches at Bernardus Golf Club, Netherlands.
What’s Next
The United States will finalize its roster on August 24, after which both teams will prepare for the three-day contest beginning September 11. The outcome will decide which side holds the biennial trophy.
