Solheim Cup 2026: Nelly Korda plays down ‘intimidation factor’ to Team Europe as Charley Hull eyes rematch with world No 1 | Golf News

Charley Hull said she would relish another Solheim Cup showdown with Nelly Korda, who played down bringing an “intimidation factor” to Team Europe.

Hull makes an eighth consecutive Solheim Cup appearance for Team Europe, who look to regain the trophy at Bernardus Golf – live on Sky Sports – after losing on American soil two years ago.

The 30-year-old top-scored for Team Europe in their 2024 defeat and despatched Korda 6&4 during the Sunday singles, with Hull open to facing the world No 1 again for Anna Nordqvist’s side during their pursuit of a home victory.

“Playing Nelly Korda at that time was really good – it was so much fun,” Hull said in her pre-tournament press conference. “I came out and played pretty well.

“Every dog has its day and I also did that day, but she’s had a pretty incredible season so far this year. If it came down to singles, it would be a really good match.

“I have a lot of respect for Nelly [Korda]. She’s a great world No 1, a great golfer and anything can happen in match play.”

Hull and Carlota Ciganda are the players heading into the week with most Solheim Cup experience, having both played in every edition since 2013, although the Englishwoman doesn’t put any extra pressure on herself as a ‘veteran’ of Team Europe.

“I see my role as a player, really,” Hull insisted. “I do my own thing, trying to keep my own routine as much as you can. The captains are there for advice – the younger players [can] come and ask me some advice and stuff.

“We’ve got here from playing our normal routine. Every week we’re by our ourselves, so we really shouldn’t do anything too differently. We’ve still got to hit a ball around the golf course and play good!”

Can Korda give Team USA an advantage?

Korda makes her fifth consecutive Solheim Cup appearance and arrives in the Netherlands as the dominant force in the women’s game, having won four times on the LPGA Tour – including the first two majors of the year – in an impressive season.

The 28-year-old has one of the best winning percentages of any American in Solheim Cup history, forming an unbeaten foursomes partnership with Allisen Corpuz in the last two editions, with Andrea Lee hoping that Korda can Team USA an edge.

“We all respect her a lot and we look up to her,” Lee said. “She has an amazing game and she’s the No 1 player in the world, so it’s just really nice to have her on our side.

“I feel like it almost brings a little bit of an intimidation factor going against Europe, so we have a little bit of an up just because we have her.”

“Honestly, I don’t even think about that,” Korda insisted. “I remain in my bubble and I’m a little bit oblivious to it all, but because I want to be. I just want to make it really simple for myself, not to think about too much and just to go out and play my game.

“What I love about this tournament is how much passion it brings from each side. Even when Europe becomes very passionate about what they’re doing on the golf course, I feel like we all want to elevate our game as well.

“As for a target, I don’t really think about it. If they’re intimidated, great! But for me, I just go out and do my thing. I just hope that the United States team just brings a lot of passion.”

When is the Solheim Cup live on Sky Sports?

Sky Sports Golf will have at least 12 hours of live coverage from the first two days, with coverage getting under way at 6am on Friday and Saturday ahead of the opening foursomes match teeing off at 6.40am (7.40am local time).

The afternoon fourballs are scheduled to start at 12.05pm (1.05pm local time) on both days, with coverage continuing until after the final putt is holed, while Sunday singles coverage begins at 9am ahead of the opening tee shot at 10.10am.

Sky Sports+ will have live coverage of the closing ceremony from 5.30pm on Sunday, following the Solheim Cup winner being crowned, while the opening ceremony on Thursday at 4.30pm will see the opening-day pairings revealed.

Who will win the Solheim Cup? Watch Team Europe’s bid to regain the trophy exclusively live on Sky Sports, with all three days live from September 11-13 on Sky Sports Golf. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.