These two feisty players will serve as European vice captains for 2026 Solheim Cup
These two feisty players will serve as European vice captains for 2026 Solheim Cup
European Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist has announced two vice captains for the 2026 edition at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands. Sweden's Caroline Hedwall and England's Mel Reid will join Nordqvist in leading Team Europe on Sept. 7-13.
'I have known Caroline and Mel since I was 13 and 17 years old, as such I've had the pleasure of playing alongside them for my whole career," said Nordqvist in a release. "We have had many good memories as teammates and as friends, so I am delighted to have them by my side as we take on a new challenge in our golfing careers as captains in the Netherlands. They are both very experienced Solheim Cup players, fiercely competitive and fantastic teammates, and I know Team Europe will be stronger having them on board. I look forward to navigating the next stage of the 2026 Solheim Cup journey with them.'
Reid, 37, won the 2020 ShopRite LPGA Classic and is a six-time winner on the LET. She's represented Europe at the Solheim on four occasions (2011, 2015, 2017 and 2021) and served as a vice captain in 2019 and 2024.
'If the Solheim Cup is happening, I want to be there for Europe in whatever way I can contribute," said Reid. "Some of my fondest core memories have been during a Solheim Cup week and in that European team room. I am honored that Anna asked me to be one of her vice captains. I know she is going to be an amazing captain, and I am so happy that I will be there to support her and the team and to help in any way to make Anna and the team successful.'
Hedwall, 35, has represented Europe five times, becoming the first player to win five matches in a single Solheim Cup in 2013. At the 2023 Solheim Cup, Hedwall delivered one of the most riveting stretches of golf in Solheim Cup history when she roared back against Ally Ewing with five birdies on her last six holes, helping Europe retain the cup.
While she never won the LPGA, Hedwall is a seven-time winner on the LET and was that tour's Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in 2011.
'I was so thrilled when Anna invited me to be one of her vice captains in 2026 as the Solheim Cup has definitely provided many of the most important moments of my career," said Hedwall. "Anna and I have shared so many experiences, both on tour and on European teams together, that I feel like we are very aligned in our thinking on how to help ensure the European team is able to perform at its best. I think, together with Mel, we really understand each other and are all very feisty competitors so I am sure we are going to work very well together for the good of our team.'
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