Solheim Cup Music Backfires As Fans Slam Bernardus Golf Setup
The Solheim Cup’s loud music at Bernardus Golf has divided fans, with Gabby Herzig and others questioning whether the party atmosphere distracts players.
- By Edited by NDTV Sports Desk
- Updated: September 11, 2026, 4:17 PM EDT
Gabby Herzig has joined a growing group of fans questioning the Solheim Cup's loud music at Bernardus Golf. Her complaint came after the opening day in the Netherlands, where music, crowd noise and a party-style setup became major talking points.
Herzig posted on X: “Not to be this person but they NEED to turn this music off at Solheim.” She later added, “Imagine trying to make a super consequential putt and you just hear a horrendous Dua Lipa cover blaring in the background.”
Solheim Cup Music Draws Criticism At Bernardus Golf
The 2026 Solheim Cup was played at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, North Brabant, from September 11-13. It is the first time the Netherlands has hosted the event. Organizers created a lively first-tee setup with a 3,000-seat horseshoe grandstand, music, smoke and crowd participation.
The idea was to bring more energy to the venue, but some fans felt the music went too far. Large screens switched to “quiet please” prompts as players prepared for shots, yet complaints continued about noise around the course. Organizers also played an edited version of “Hey Jude” to get fans involved.
The atmosphere has not been disliked by everyone. Megan Khang encouraged spectators to make more noise before teeing off, while Maja Stark and Linn Grant were seen engaging with the music. Sky Sports also described the first-tee crowd as creating a party-like atmosphere, with nearly 3,000 spectators gathered early.
Fans Compare Solheim Cup Atmosphere With LIV Golf
The debate goes beyond one song or one tee. Some fans are questioning whether this style fits a major team golf event, especially when players are trying to focus on important shots. That concern became clear in several reactions shared online after the opening day.
One fan wrote, “Agree. Hope they realise tomorrow that's it's horrible and off putting,” while another said, “Agree….far too loud & distracting, not just on 1st tee. Same for early evening in the village…wait until play is over, or turn it down..please!!”
The comparison with LIV Golf has also become part of the discussion. One fan wrote, “The music at the Solheim Cup is an absolute disgrace. Completely devalues a wonderful tournament. You would never ever hear about the Ryder Cup. It's not fair on the players. #SolheimCup.” Organizers, meanwhile, are targeting around 80,000 spectators across the week.
Bernardus Golf is hosting the Solheim Cup for the first time, and the event is being presented with a stronger focus on entertainment and crowd involvement. With the opening day already producing a 4-4 tie between Europe and the United States, attention now turns to whether the atmosphere will remain a talking point throughout the weekend.