Three holes on the Bernardus Golf Course could decide victory or defeat in the 2026 Solheim Cup, promising a true spectacle. The firm surfaces, unpredictable rough, and shifting winds in the Netherlands will demand everything from the teams when Europe and the USA face off from September 11 to 13, 2026. This setup calls for utmost precision and nerves of steel.
The Water Monster at the 6th Tee
The par-3 6th hole is the ultimate stress test for any tee shot. Played entirely over water to a peninsula green, risk management is paramount here. A short shot lands in the water, while an overly ambitious one misses the narrow green. In match play, this hole becomes a true momentum-shifter, making even the most experienced players sweat.
What is ordinarily the 17th hole of the Bernardus Course will be the par-4 15th hole in the Solheim Cup, and it's a beast. This so-called "swing hole" is already Verdonschot's favorite, as many a ball flight here has made the decisive difference. It has the greatest potential to turn or even decide a match – play here can be incredibly strong if the right strategy is chosen.
The Showdown at the Closing 18th Hole
The closing 18th hole, actually the second hole of the course, is, according to experts, the most difficult and thus the perfect setting for dramatic final moments. The pressure mounts immeasurably when the final shots here must decide the overall victory. With Anna Nordqvist captaining Europe, this Solheim Cup in the Netherlands, hosting for the first time, promises to be an unforgettable highlight.
