Solheim Cup

Solheim Cup: What Is the Solheim Cup?

The Solheim Cup is the premier team competition in women's professional golf. It pits one European team against a U.S. team from 12 players each, led by a captain. It is the women’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup.

As with the Ryder Cup, there is no stroke play score: it all comes down to match play, hole by hole, and only the points earned by the team count.

How does the Solheim Cup work?

The competition lasts three days and features 28 matches Since 2002:

• Foursome: Two players per team play a single ball, taking turns hitting it.
• Four balls (four-ball): Each player plays her own ball; the team's best score on the hole counts.
• Singles: one player against another. On Sundays, all 12 players on each team play.

How are points scored?

• A win brings in 1 point, a tie half a point to each team.
• There are 28 points at stake: it takes 14.5 points to win. With the score tied at 14-14, the defending champion team keeps the trophy, as Europe did in 2023.

Where did the Solheim Cup come from?

It was founded in 1990 on the initiative of Karsten Solheim, the founder of the PING golf club brand, after whom the tournament is named. The first edition was held in Lake Nona, Orlando, and the United States won. After alternating between even and odd years, it has been held in even-numbered years again since 2024.

In total, the United States has 11 wins, Europe has 8, and there was one tie in 2023. Europe won the 2026 tournament in the Netherlands, 15–13, and the next one will be held in Valhalla, Kentucky, from September 8 to 10, 2028.

The French Women at the Solheim Cup

Seven French women took part, including Céline Boutier, the French record-holder with 5 national team appearances, and Nastasia Nadaud, the breakout star of the 2026 edition. Complete list of winners, records, and tickets: see our complete Solheim Cup guide.