How the Solheim Cup came to be

First played in 1990, the Solheim Cup was inspired by the Ryder Cup and named for Karsten Solheim, the golf-equipment entrepreneur whose family helped make the event possible. It has become a major fixture in the women’s golf calendar, bringing together leading players from the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour under two team flags.

Understanding the format

The modern contest is played across three days and offers 28 points. The first two days feature pair matches, with Sunday devoted to singles. A win earns one point; a tied match gives each side half a point. The team that reaches 14½ points wins the Cup, while a 14–14 tie means the defending champion retains it.

• Foursomes: partners play a single ball, taking alternate shots. The pair must manage strategy and rhythm together.
• Four-ball: each golfer plays her own ball; the team records the lower score on each hole.
• Singles: every player takes on an opponent in a head-to-head match on the final day.

Why the pairings matter

Solheim Cup matches reward players who communicate well and understand one another’s strengths. A long hitter and a precise iron player can form a useful foursomes partnership, while four-ball allows both partners to attack a hole with their own ball. Captains’ choices, the order of play and the energy around the course can shift the mood in a session.

The story is bigger than one trophy

The Solheim Cup gives women’s golf a team event with a distinct atmosphere and a history of memorable comebacks, tight finishes and breakthrough performances. For readers new to match play, the simplest way to follow is to track the points: every match is its own contest, and a player can help her team without needing to post the lowest total score for the whole tournament.