Darts Star Joins Solheim Cup Curtain-Raiser at Bernardus

The 2026 Solheim Cup All-Star Challenge takes place Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, a three-hole exhibition held the day before the Solheim Cup itself begins.

Who is playing in the All-Star Challenge?

Confirmed participants include Dutch darts player Gian van Veen, ranked world No. 3 in the Professional Darts Corporation; two-time major champion and former Europe captain Suzann Pettersen; former England cricket captain Heather Knight; ex-England goalkeeper Carly Telford; England rugby international Anthony Watson; and broadcaster DJ Spoony. Anne van Dam, a former Solheim Cup player, joins an opening Q&A hosted by BBC Sport's Andrew Cotter.

Pettersen holed the winning putt for Europe at Gleneagles in 2019 before retiring as a player, then captained the team in 2023 and 2024.

What is the format?

The afternoon opens with the Q&A, followed by each participant hitting a tee shot in front of spectators. The group then plays a three-hole challenge across Bernardus Golf's first, sixth and 18th holes, with prizes awarded on the final green.

The build-up to the Solheim Cup lets athletes from outside golf feel the same nerves regular golfers face on a first tee.

Bernardus Golf is a Kyle Phillips-designed heathland course near Eindhoven known for its water hazards and compact routing.

What happens at the main event?

The Solheim Cup runs Sept. 11-13 at Bernardus Golf, the first time the competition has been held in the Netherlands. The event features 28 matches, two sessions of foursomes, two of fourballs and 12 singles on the final day, with the first team to 14.5 points winning the cup.

The 2024 result extended Team USA's all-time series lead to 11-8. Anna Nordqvist captains Europe, succeeding Pettersen, while Angela Stanford leads the U.S. team with Kristy McPherson and Paula Creamer as vice-captains and Brittany Lang as an assistant.

Who is on each team?

The two 12-player rosters carry seven debutants combined.

Korda leads the U.S. side into her fifth Solheim Cup appearance, while Hull is playing in her eighth consecutive edition after topping the Ladies European Tour's points list.