European Captain Suzann Pettersen has unveiled the full line up of 12 players who will represent Europe at the 2024 Solheim Cup, which is being held at Robert Jones Golf Club in Virgina, USA from September 13-15.
The conclusion of the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews on Sunday saw the qualification window end, with the eight automatic qualifiers being Charley Hull, Esther Henseleit, Celine Boutier, Leona Maguire, Carlota Ciganda, Maja Stark, Linn Grant and Madelene Sagström.
They have now being joined by four captain’s picks in the shape of Emily Kristine Pedersen (Den), Georgia Hall (Eng), Anna Nordqvist (Swe) and Albane Valenzuela (Swi).
Europe are in search of history and hoping to keep the trophy for the fourth consecutive edition having won in 2019 and 2021, as well as tying in Spain in 2023 to retain the trophy last time out.
There will be a second rookie on the European Team with Switzerland’s Albane Valenzuela chosen to play in her first Solheim Cup alongside the other rookie in the team Esther Henseleit.
It will be a fifth consecutive Solheim Cup appearance for Georgia Hall, but her first as a captain’s pick after what, for her, has been a disappointing season.
“I love being part of Team Europe, and it’s always great to be able to represent Europe,” said Hall. “Winning the last three and being part of that, you always want to do it again.
“I’m happy that Suzann has picked me, and I hope I bring my experience to the US in a few weeks’ time.”
Nordqvist will be playing a vice-captain once again, after being in that role in 2023, and is about to become the most-capped Swede in the competition with nine appearances.
“There is no bigger honour than to represent Europe in the Solheim Cup, so I am very excited to have been picked to play in my ninth Solheim Cup,” commented Nordqvist. “This is beyond my wildest childhood dreams.
“I have enjoyed the dual role as a playing vice-captain the last two years and learning how much work goes into this event behind the scenes and I’m looking forward to teeing it up.”
This will be a fourth Solheim Cup appearance for Pedersen, having made her debut in 2017, as well as being part of the team in 2021 and 2023.
“I’m very excited to be picked again,” said Pedersen. “I love Solheim, I love team golf and I’m proud to be playing for Europe again! I’ve always looked up to Suzann and I’m excited to be able to play in the Solheim Cup on American soil once again.”
SWITZERLAND’S FIRST SOLHEIM CUP PLAYER
Valenzuela will be making history in September as she becomes the first player from Switzerland to represent Europe in the Solheim Cup.
The 26-year-old went to LET Q-School in 2022 with the aim of gaining LET membership to be able to qualify for Team Europe and just over 18 months later she has achieved her dream.
“It is absolutely surreal, and a dream come true,” said Valenzuela. “I have dreamt of being in the team ever since I was a kid. I got to play in the PING Junior Solheim Cup, and I had stars in my eyes and I was looking up to these girls and thinking one day that could be me. The fact is has become a reality and now I get to be on that team. I’m ecstatic, I’m proud, I’m happy – all the emotions!”
Speaking about her four picks, captain Pettersen said: “Georgia has already proved herself to be a very passionate Solheim Cup player with her past experience and she is a player you want on your team.
“Anna has the experience, she has a great record in the Solheim Cup which speaks for itself, and she knows what it takes.
“Emily is a player that lives and breathes for the Solheim Cup. She has a huge passion together with her past experiences, I know what I am getting with Emily. She brings a lot to the team and is a great team player.
“It’s fantastic to bring Albane into the team, she has played some solid golf over the last two years and especially this year has proven she’s worthy of a spot on this team. She is a great ball striker and brings a lot of good energy to the team room.”
STRONG USA TEAM TAKES SHAPE
Team USA captain Stacy Lewis will announce her three captain’s picks on Tuesday, with the nine automatic qualifiers being Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Lauren Coughlin, Ally Ewing, Allisen Corpuz, Megan Khang, Andrea Lee, Rose Zhang and Alison Lee.
“I’m just excited to have the team finalized. Much of this crew is repeating from 2023, so a lot of them have experience,” said Lewis. “We had five that were qualified coming into the AIG Women’s Open week, and I’m happy to have Megan and Andrea back again. They were big parts of last year’s success.”
“I’m also really happy for Alison Lee to be back at the Solheim Cup, with the largest gap between two Solheim Cups,” added Lewis. “It’s been nine years since her last one and I’m excited for her to have a second go at it, to have a great experience and to do it at home as well.”