Solheim Cup: How Anna Nordqvist’s youthful Europeans answered critics in win over US – BBC Sport
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How youth helped Nordqvist answer critics and deliver Solheim Cup win
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Figure caption: How Europe won the 2026 Solheim Cup
By Iain Carter, Golf correspondent at Bernardus Golf Club
Published 15 minutes ago
Anna Nordqvist spoke in the build-up to the Solheim Cup about the European team being in a period of transition as she chose a line-up with four debutants. Any fears about fielding rookies for the most pressure packed event in the women’s game were proven unfounded in her team’s thrilling 15-13 victory at Bernardus Golf last weekend.
Nastasia Nadaud (21), Julia Lopez Ramirez (23), Mimi Rhodes (24), and, eventually, Lottie Woad all delivered crucial points and gave an encouraging glimpse into Europe’s future. Three of the quartet were captain’s picks, with the 22-year-old Woad the only debut automatic qualifier for the team that avenged defeat in Virginia two years ago.
"So many people said it was a bit of a risk having four rookies, but I was so impressed with them," Nordqvist said.
‘I never felt like they were rookies’
Europe’s skipper faced intense scrutiny throughout her captaincy, especially over her stubborn faith in Woad’s partnership with fellow Englishwoman Charley Hull. But she was ultimately vindicated, especially with her wildcard selections, which also included relative veteran Leona Maguire.
Between them they yielded eight and a half points, compared with five contributed by America’s three captain’s picks. Nordqvist’s singles line-up also leant heavily on a willingness to trust in youth. Of the youngsters tasting Solheim singles action for the first time only Rhodes failed to win and it took a brilliant performance from world number one Nelly Korda to beat her on the final day.
And the beaten Englishwoman had already contributed significantly alongside Nadaud with Friday fourball and Saturday foursomes wins that helped ensure 8-8 parity after the first two days.
In the singles Rhodes was sent out fourth, but it was positions six, seven and eight – Nadaud, Lopez Ramirez, and Woad – that held so much significance to the final outcome. All three delivered vital wins.
"What people don’t understand is they’re so good when they come out on tour these days,” Nordqvist said. ‘They just play fearless and they have so much personality.’
