Solheim Cup 2026 Opens: Nelly Korda and Charley Hull Face Off in Opening Foursome Match

The first sunlight crept across the lush fairways of Bernadus Golf Club in the Netherlands, and a vibrant atmosphere enveloped the first tee box. Thousands of fans gathered, cheering and singing – signaling the start of the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup, the most prestigious team event in women's golf. Right from the opening match of the morning, the organizers served up a dream showdown: World No.1 Nelly Korda of the USA against Charley Hull, the brightest star of Team Europe. Both are top-tier golfers, and their appearance in the opening match foretold a fierce battle over the next three days. The Solheim Cup has long been known for its intense competition. In the last edition held in the USA, the teams ended in a dramatic 14-14 tie. This year, Europe hosts on the Bernadus course – designed by legend Jack Nicklaus – hoping to leverage home advantage to reclaim the trophy after a narrow defeat in the USA two years ago. The foursome format (alternate shot) demands perfect chemistry between pairs. The USA deployed Nelly Korda alongside experienced partner Lexi Thompson, while Europe trusted the pair of Charley Hull and Emily Pedersen. On paper, both pairs have similar strength: Korda excels with her putting, while Hull possesses a powerful swing and iron will. But the attraction lies in how they perform under the pressure from the stands. As the announcer called each golfer's name, applause and cheers echoed across the course. European fans wore blue, while a small group of American fans stood out in red and white. A middle-aged Dutch woman raised a sign: “Hull – Bring the Cup Home!” On the other side, an American youth responded: “Korda won't lose!” The atmosphere was friendly but fiercely competitive – that's the spirit of the Solheim Cup. Tactically, foursomes are a format full of surprises. One errant drive or a missed putt can cost the whole pair. In this match, Korda and Thompson had played together only a few times, but chemistry sometimes comes from emotion rather than time. Meanwhile, Hull and Pedersen had trained many hours together before the event. Europe's captain, Suzann Pettersen, believed in the connection between the two young women. “They understand each other through every shot,” Pettersen said at the pre-event press conference. Beyond tactics, the Solheim Cup is a story of camaraderie and national pride. Women golfers often don't receive the same attention as men, but here they are the center. The relentless applause and shouts of “USA! USA!” or “Europe! Europe!” enliven the usually quiet golf course. The writer has witnessed many top-level golf events, but none have such a feverish atmosphere as the Solheim Cup. It feels more like a sports festival than a regular tournament. Looking back at history, Europe has won two of the last three editions, but the USA still leads overall (10-7). The balance is getting tighter. In 2026 in Spain, Europe won narrowly 15-13. This year, Europe's lineup blends veterans like Anna Nordqvist with young talents like Linn Grant. On the other side, the USA boasts its strongest squad with Korda, Thompson, and Rose Zhang – the former NCAA dominating amateur. Back to the first match: Korda and Hull stepped onto the first tee. Korda hit first – a perfect draw down the middle. Cheers from the American side erupted. Hull answered with an equally precise fade. This was a typical display of excellence from both. The early holes saw a fast pace: Korda-Thompson went 1 up after hole 3 thanks to Thompson's brilliant chip shot. But Hull-Pedersen fought back, leveling the match on hole 5 with a 20-foot putt by Pedersen. Mid-round, the difference came from crucial putts. Korda showed why she is world No.1: she saved par spectacularly on hole 8, then birdied hole 9 to put the USA 2 up. But Hull, with fighter spirit, spurred her partner on. She produced a series of long drives, putting pressure on the opponents. On hole 11, Hull chipped from off the green to near the hole, and Pedersen finished with birdie – they cut the lead to 1 down. The atmosphere was breathtaking. Every shot was met with perfect silence from the crowd, followed by explosions of joy. Hole 15 proved decisive: Thompson hit a wild drive into a bunker, forcing Korda to save with a brilliant shot back to the fairway. However, Pedersen capitalized, hitting a wedge to 12 feet. When Hull rolled in the birdie putt, they took the lead for the first time. From there, the European pair held firm. On hole 17, Korda and Thompson could not catch up, and the match ended 2&1 in Europe's favor. Charley Hull walked off the green, fist raised, as the crowd erupted. Pedersen hugged her tightly; Captain Pettersen smiled approvingly. A crucial point for the home team. But the tournament had just begun. On the American side, despite losing the opening match, they still have every chance. Nelly Korda walked away with a calm face – she is well accustomed to pressure. “We'll come back stronger,” she said briefly in the post-match interview. The Solheim Cup is always a stage of contrasting emotions. That morning saw Europe's joy and America's disappointment. Yet all agreed: this year's event promises drama until the very end. With such an amazing atmosphere, fans around the world are sure to enjoy an unforgettable three days of golf. Europe leads 1-0, but there are still seven foursomes and eight singles matches to go. Can Europe use home advantage to win a second consecutive title? Or will the USA regain their spirit and turn the tide? Only time will tell. Vietnamese golf fans, those following the tournament via international channels, can feel the appeal of one of the highest-level women's sporting events. Golf matches like this are not just about technique – they are about the heart and soul of the warriors on the course.