Mel Reid being named a Solheim Cup vice-captain for the third time is a good reminder of how much English players have contributed to the event.
As Reid gets ready to help Europe’s captain Anna Nordqvist in next year’s challenge to win back the trophy from the U.S., the push to bring the Solheim Cup to England for the first time is gaining momentum.
Reid, from Derby, played in four Solheim Cups—winning two—before becoming a vice-captain during last year’s loss in Virginia. She also helped captain Catriona Matthew during Europe’s big win at Gleneagles six years ago.
That Gleneagles match was the last time the UK hosted the Solheim Cup. It’s been held in Scotland three times and in Wales once, but never in England.
Even though English players like Dame Laura Davies (who played 12 times and scored 25 points) and Trish Johnson (with 8 appearances) have made big impacts, England has yet to host.
The next few weeks will likely decide where the 2030 Solheim Cup will take place, with strong efforts to finally bring it to England. The Grove in Hertfordshire is seen as a top choice.
Reid Proud to Take Solheim Cup Vice-Captain Role
Any plan to host the Solheim Cup in 2030 will need money from the government. The event is on the UK’s list of major sports events they hope to host, along with the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Last month, Dame Katherine Grainger, the outgoing chair of UK Sport, said she was disappointed that the UK isn’t hosting more big events in the next 10 years.
“We don’t want quiet years,” she told BBC Sport. “After 2028, we don’t have anything confirmed. That’s a big gap. There are still lots of big events available. It’s clear how important these events are for the country, but maybe we haven’t made that clear enough.”
It may take at least 10 years before England can host another Ryder Cup — Bolton is trying to win the bid for the 2035 event — so now could be the perfect time for England to host the Solheim Cup for the first time.
Meanwhile, Mel Reid, who might be a strong pick for Solheim Cup captain in 2030, has been named one of the vice-captains for Team Europe in the 2026 Solheim Cup in the Netherlands. She’ll work alongside Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall under captain Anna Nordqvist.
“If the Solheim Cup is happening, I want to be part of it for Europe in any way I can,” said 37-year-old Reid, a seven-time winner on the Ladies European Tour and LPGA.
“Some of my best memories are from Solheim Cup weeks with the European team. I’m honoured that Anna chose me to be her vice-captain. She’ll be a great leader, and I’m excited to help her and the team succeed.”
This week, all eyes are on the women’s game as the first major of the year, the Chevron Championship, is taking place in Texas. England’s Charley Hull leads the British hopes. The 29-year-old already has three top-11 finishes this year.
Hull, ranked number 10 in the world, is aiming for her first major title. World number one Nelly Korda will begin defending her title on Thursday.