Now that the 2026 Solheim Cup Team Europe captain has been announced as Anna Nordqvist, it is time to look at who may be joining her in the captain’s room. Often Europe only has three captains, but last season the team had four, which is the trend I will continue with here.
Mel Reid
Honestly, Reid was the player I thought they would go with this time around as captain. Reid was a vice captain in 2024 and has always been an emotional leader for the European team. Reid has played in four Solheim Cups in her career and was on the winning teams in 2011 and 2021.
Caroline Hedwall
It seems logical that Nordqvist would choose a player like Hedwall, who has been so successful by her side in the Solheim Cup, to be a part of the vice captain group. Despite not having one of the deepest resumés of success, Hedwall played in five Solheim Cups and was always a strong competitor. She went 9-7-1 in her career and played seven matches as a partner of Nordqvist.
Carlota Ciganda
Ciganda could very well be following in Nordqvist’s shoes as a playing vice captain, but I think the time is right to bring her into the fold. Ciganda has played in seven Solheim Cups, each one since 2013. She’s only posted a winning record twice, but those were some of the more dominant Solheim performances we’ve seen going 3-0-0 in 2013 and 4-0-0 in 2023. I don’t think Nordqvist would want to run the risk of not having Ciganda in that team room in 2026.
Laura Davies
Laura Davies likely has this spot until she doesn’t want it anymore, and that is fair enough. Davies played in 12 Solheim Cups along her legendary career, going 22-18-6. While Davies has never been a captain, she has been an assistant captain every playing since 2019. She seems to enjoy the role and brings a wealth of experience. It would be a surprise to not see her back in 2026.
