How Many Points Do You Need To Win The Solheim Cup?
The Solheim Cup is one of the most prestigious events in the women's game and, to secure the title, teams must hit a required amount of points


Providing three incredible days of action, the Solheim Cup is a team event that draws millions of eyes to the best players in the world of golf.
Like the Ryder Cup, 12 players line up for the European side, whilst 12 players line up for the Americans. There are 28 points up for grabs and, if a side hits the 14.5 mark, they will win the Solheim Cup and add their names to the history books.
Structure-wise, on the first and second days of the Solheim Cup there is a mix of foursomes and four-balls, with a total of 16 points available. Then, on Sunday, all 12 players are present for the singles, with 12 points available. Format-wise, you get one point for a victory, a half-point for a tie and zero for a loss.
Now, you may wonder, what happens if the scores finish 14-14? Is there a play-off, for example? Well, if scores finish at 14-14, it will be the team who is defending the Solheim Cup that will retain. In 2023, after the scores finished tied, Europe retained as they won the trophy in 2021.
Over the years, there has been just one tie, which came in 2023, as well as a number of close calls. In 2019, Europe won 14.5-13.5, whilst USA won by the same score line in 2015. In terms of biggest wins, Europe hold that record in 2013, where they won 18-10 at Colorado Golf Club.
Team Europe celebrate their 2013 victory at the Solheim Cup
Along with the Solheim Cup, the Ryder Cup follows an identical layout, with 14.5 points also being the magical number in terms of victory. Again, the first two days will involve foursomes and four ball formats, with Sunday being the decider in singles.
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Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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