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Solheim Cup 2024: The Players for Team Europe

The Solheim Cup 2024 promises another exciting duel between the best female golfers in Europe and the USA. Under the leadership of captain Suzann Pettersen, Team Europe will compete with a strong selection of experienced and up-and-coming players. Here is an overview of the players who will be competing for the title against the American team, led by US captain Stacy Lewis, in Gainesville, Virginia.

Solheim Cup 2024: Team Europe

Player Qualification criteria 1 fact
Charley Hull LET Solheim Cup Points Four Top-10-finishes on the LPGA Tour in 2024
Esther Henseleit LET Solheim Cup Points Won the silver medal at the Olympic Games 2024
Celine Boutier Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings Six wins on the LPGA Tour
Carlota Ciganda Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings Six appearances in the Solheim Cup
Linn Grant Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings Four Top-10-finishes on the LPGA Tour in 2024
Leona Maguire Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings Won the Aramco Team Series – London in 2024
Madelene Sagstrom Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings Three Top-10-finishes on the LPGA Tour in 2024
Maja Stark Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings Three Top-10-finishes on the LPGA Tour in 2024
Georgia Hall Captain’s Pick Won the AIG Women’s Open in 2018
Anna Nordqvist Captain’s Pick Three-time major winner
Emily Kristine Pedersen Captain’s Pick Three Solheim Cup appearances
Albane Valenzuela Captain’s Pick Two Top-10-finishes on the LPGA Tour in 2024

Get to know Team Europe

Charley Hull

Charley Hull, one of the best-known faces in Team Europe, qualified via the LET Solheim Cup points. The Englishwoman is an experienced player who is taking part in the Solheim Cup for the sixth time. Hull has achieved considerable success in her career, including four top-10 finishes in the 2024 season on the LPGA Tour.

Esther Henseleit

Esther Henseleit from Germany secured her place in the team via the LET Solheim Cup points. She is one of the two rookies in Team Europe this year. Henseleit earned her first starting place in the Solheim Cup through her consistently strong performances on the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour, including several top 10 finishes and a silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Celine Boutier

Frenchwoman Celine Boutier qualified via the Rolex World Ranking and brings an impressive record to the team. Boutier has played in three Solheim Cups and has been part of the last two winning teams. In the 2023 season, she scored a significant victory at the Amundi Evian Championship, which further strengthens her position in Team Europe.

Carlota Ciganda

Carlota Ciganda from Spain also qualified via the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. She is one of the most experienced players on the team and has already taken part in six Solheim Cups. Ciganda has won titles on both the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour in her career and is known for her consistency in the match play format.

Linn Grant

Linn Grant from Sweden is an up-and-coming player who qualified via the Rolex World Ranking. This is her second Solheim Cup, having been part of the team in 2023. In the 2024 season, she celebrated a victory at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed, showing her potential for Team Europe.

Leona Maguire

Leona Maguire from Ireland secured her place on Team Europe via the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. Maguire, who made her debut in 2021, has quickly become a permanent fixture on the team. In the current 2024 season, she won the Aramco Team Series event in London.

Madelene Sagstrom

Madelene Sagstrom from Sweden qualified via the Rolex World Ranking and is competing in the Solheim Cup for the third time. Sagstrom has already achieved several top-10 finishes in her career.

Maja Stark

Maja Stark, also from Sweden, qualified via the Rolex World Ranking and is taking part in the Solheim Cup for the second time. Stark has already won six titles on the Ladies European Tour in her career and has already recorded three top 10 finishes on the LPGA Tour in the 2024 season and is one of the young, up-and-coming talents in European golf.

Georgia Hall

Georgia Hall was selected as captain’s pick by captain Suzann Pettersen. The Englishwoman has already played in four Solheim Cups and brings valuable experience to the team. Hall won the AIG Women’s Open in 2018 and achieved a top-10 finish on the LPGA Tour this season.

Anna Nordqvist

Anna Nordqvist, one of the most experienced players in Team Europe, was also selected as captain’s pick and will take on a dual role in the team as vice-captain. The Swede has already played in eight Solheim Cups and has already celebrated three Major victories in her career.

Emily Kristine Pedersen

Emily Kristine Pedersen from Denmark was selected as the third captain’s pick by captain Pettersen. Pedersen has already taken part in the Solheim Cup three times and achieved several top-10 finishes in the 2024 season. Her success on the Ladies European Tour makes her an important pillar of the team.

Albane Valenzuela

Albane Valenzuela from Switzerland, another captain’s pick, will make her Solheim Cup debut in 2024. Valenzuela has achieved two top-10 results on the LPGA Tour this season and is the second rookie player on Team Europe.

Captain Suzann Pettersen – The architect of success

Suzann Pettersen, captain of the European team, has made her selection for the 2024 Solheim Cup and is relying on a mix of experienced players and talented newcomers. With her extensive Solheim Cup experience, Pettersen is ideally equipped to lead Team Europe in this prestigious competition and defend the title.

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Solheim Cup 2024: The Players for Team USA

The 2024 Solheim Cup will once again bring together the best female golfers from the USA and Europe. Captain Stacy Lewis has nominated a balanced mix of experienced players and up-and-coming talent to lead Team USA into the competition and prevail against the European team. Here is an introduction to this year’s American team:

Player Qualification criteria 1 fact
Nelly Korda US Solheim Cup Ranking World Nr. 1
Lilia Vu US Solheim Cup Ranking Two-time major champion
Lauren Coughlin US Solheim Cup Ranking Two Top-5-finishes in the majors in 2024
Ally Ewing US Solheim Cup Ranking World Nr. 17
Allisen Corpuz US Solheim Cup Ranking Won the US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach in 2023
Megan Khang US Solheim Cup Ranking Fourth appearance in the Solheim Cup
Andrea Lee US Solheim Cup Ranking Second appearance in the Solheim Cup
Rose Zhang World Ranking Second appearance in the Solheim Cup after turning pro in 2023
Alison Lee World Ranking Legendary golfer Fred Couples is her biggest fan
Lexi Thompson Captain’s Pick Seventh consecutive appearance in the Solheim Cup
Jennifer Kupcho Captain’s Pick Married to the caddie of Allisen Corpuz
Sarah Schmelzel Captain’s Pick Makes her debut in the Solheim Cup

Meet the US Team for the Solheim Cup 2024

Nelly Korda

Nelly Korda, who qualified through the US Solheim Cup Rankings, leads the US team. As the world number one and multiple winner on the LPGA Tour, she is one of the strongest players in the world. Korda brings her extensive experience and six tournament wins -including one major title- from the 2024 season to the team.

Lilia Vu

Lilia Vu, also qualified via the US Solheim Cup rankings, has established herself as one of the strongest players on the team thanks to her outstanding performances in recent years. With victories at the Chevron Championship and the AIG Women’s Open 2023, she has established herself as one of the best female golfers in the world.

Lauren Coughlin

Lauren Coughlin qualified through the US Solheim Cup Rankings and will make her debut at the 2024 Solheim Cup. Coughlin had a successful 2024 season in which she recorded two tournament wins and five other top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour.

Ally Ewing

Ally Ewing, who qualified via the US Solheim Cup rankings, is one of the most consistent players on Team USA. In the 2024 season, she achieved six top-10 finishes, demonstrating her consistent performance. With her experience from multiple Solheim Cup appearances, Ewing will be a key asset to the team and will look to lead Team USA to victory.

Allisen Corpuz

Allisen Corpuz secured her place on the US Solheim Cup Ranking and won the US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach in 2023. She brings her major experience to the team and is competing in the Solheim Cup for the second time.

Megan Khang

Megan Khang, who also qualified via the US Solheim Cup rankings, will be competing in the Solheim Cup for the fourth time. With three top-10 finishes in the 2024 season, she brings valuable experience and consistency to Team USA.

Andrea Lee

Andrea Lee, who also qualified via the US Solheim Cup rankings, will take part in the Solheim Cup for the second time in 2024. With several top 10 finishes this season and an LPGA tournament win, she is one of the up-and-coming players in the US team.

Rose Zhang

Rose Zhang, who secured a place on the team via the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, is one of the biggest talents on the US team. Although she only turned professional in 2023, she has already won two tournaments on the LPGA Tour.

Alison Lee

Alison Lee, who is returning to Team USA after a nine-year absence, qualified via the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. Her experience and abilities could make her an important addition to the team.

Lexi Thompson

Lexi Thompson, who was selected as captain’s pick by captain Stacy Lewis, has extensive Solheim Cup experience. She will be making her seventh consecutive appearance for the US team. With eleven LPGA tournament wins in her career, Thompson is one of the most experienced players on the team.

Jennifer Kupcho

Jennifer Kupcho, also a captain’s pick, brings her experience from two Solheim Cups. Her four top-10 finishes in the 2024 season make her a reliable pillar for the team.

Sarah Schmelzel

Sarah Schmelzel, another captain’s pick, will make her debut in the Solheim Cup. With six top-10 finishes in the 2024 season, she shows her potential and will strengthen Team USA with fresh talent.

Stacy Lewis – captain and golfing legend

Stacy Lewis, the captain of the US team, has already made history in her career. With 13 LPGA victories, including two majors, and two Player of the Year titles, she is one of the most successful golfers of her generation. Lewis has topped the world rankings twice and has played in four Solheim Cups. After serving as co-captain in 2021, she took on the responsibility as captain for the 2023 and 2024 tournaments. Under her leadership, Team USA will do everything in its power to win the 2024 Solheim Cup on home soil in Gainesville, Virginia.

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World Golf Ranking: Tommy Fleetwood Closing In On Top 10

This week’s World Golf Ranking has brought several noteworthy changes for British, Welsh, Northern Irish and Scottish players. Leading the pack is Rory McIlroy at position three, followed by Tommy Fleetwood, who is currently ranked 11th. This is a significant improvement from his 12th position last week, with an average score of 4.3312 points. Robert MacIntyre follows as the top Scottish player, maintaining his position at 16th with an unchanged average score of 3.6928 points.

Positions for British Players in the Golf World Ranking

The fourth-best British player is Aaron Rai at 24, followed by Matt Fitzpatrick, who occupies the 27th position, slipping one place from his previous 26th with an average score of 3.0011 points. Tyrrell Hatton remains stable at the 36th spot, holding an average score of 2.7197 points. Justin Rose, another prominent figure, stands firm at the 37th position with an unchanged average score of 2.7038 points.

Top 10 in the Golf World Ranking

The top 10 sees Scottie Scheffler retaining his position as the leader in the Golf World Ranking. The most notable change comes from Collin Morikawa, who has leaped from the 6th to the 4th spot. Ludvig Aberg dropped from 4th to 5th, while Wyndham Clark moved down from 5th to 6th. Rory McIlroy remains the best Northern Irish player in 3rd place. The rankings from 7th to 10th witnessed stability with Hideki Matsuyama, Viktor Hovland, Patrick Cantlay, and Bryson DeChambeau preserving their respective positions.

Player NameNationalityCurrent RankingLast Week’s RankingAverage Score
Rory McIlroyNIR338.4917
Tommy FleetwoodENG11124.3312
Robert MacIntyreSCO16163.6928
Aaron RaiENG24243.2515
Matt FitzpatrickENG27263.0011
Tyrrell HattonENG36362.7197
Justin RoseENG37372.7038
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World Golf Ranking: Scottie Scheffler On Top, Morikawa in Top-5

The latest update in the World Golf Ranking showcases the positions of leading American golfers. Scottie Scheffler remains at the top as the best American golfer, holding onto his 1st position with an unchanged ranking from last week. Xander Schauffele follows closely, retaining his 2nd position, also without any change from the previous week.

World Golf Ranking: Morikawa, Clark, and Cantlay

Collin Morikawa has made a notable improvement, moving from 6th place last week to 4th this week in the World Golf Ranking. Wyndham Clark has experienced a slight drop, moving from 5th to 6th position. Patrick Cantlay remains steady at 9th place with no change in his ranking from the previous week. All three players continue to perform consistently with impressive average point scores. The sixth US-Player in the World Golf Ranking is Bryson DeChambeau at the 10th spot.

Top-10 World Golf Ranking

The top-10 positions in the World Golf Ranking have seen some changes this week. While Scottie Scheffler remains the top golfer in the world, Ludvig Aberg of Sweden drops from 4th to 5th, and Hideki Matsuyama of Japan maintains his 7th position. Viktor Hovland from Norway stays unchanged at 8th place, while Bryson DeChambeau holds onto his 10th position. Jon Rahm of Spain sees a drop from 13th to 14th place, and Sahith Theegala from the USA improves from 15th to 12th. The ranking continues to reflect the dynamic nature of competitive golf at its highest level.

Player NameCurrent RankLast Week’s RankAverage Points
Scottie Scheffler1118.3509
Xander Schauffele2211.4671
Collin Morikawa466.5390
Wyndham Clark655.7886
Patrick Cantlay994.8851
Bryson DeChambeau10104.7171

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Solheim Cup: Jennifer Kupcho, Sarah Schmelzel and Lexi Thompson Complete US Team

U.S. Solheim Cup Team Captain Stacy Lewis has selected Jennifer Kupcho, Sarah Schmelzel and Lexi Thompson as her captain’s picks for the 2024 Solheim Cup, to be held Sept. 13-15 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va.

Kupcho, Schmelzel and Thompson join the nine automatic qualifiers for the U.S. Team who were named following the completion of play at the AIG Women’s Open. Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Lauren Coughlin, Ally Ewing, Allisen Corpuz, Megan Khang and Andrea Lee qualified via the U.S. Solheim Cup Team Standings, while Rose Zhang and Alison Lee qualified via the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

Lots of Experience for the US Team

hompson will represent the U.S. for the seventh consecutive time, joining 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023. She moves into a tie for third for the most times competing for the U.S., joining Paula Creamer, Rosie Jones and Morgan Pressel, trailing only Cristie Kerr and Juli Inkster with nine appearances and Beth Daniel and Meg Mallon with eight.

“Lexi was probably the easiest pick to make of these three, with her experience. I know what Lexi can do at a Solheim Cup and that definitely helped her get a pick,” said Lewis. “She’s somebody who is going to help the team out a lot, on the golf course and also off. With her experience, everybody on the team’s going to be watching what she does to try to learn from her. I am very happy to have Lexi back.”

“It means the world to me. To be able to represent my country, it’s the highest honor that you can possibly have,” said Thompson of being selected to the U.S. Solheim Cup Team. “To be there again this year, especially stateside, it’s a dream come true. To be able to play alongside my teammates and under my captains and assistant captains, it’s everything I could ask for.”

Kupcho will wear the Red, White and Blue for the third time, while Schmelzel will join Lauren Coughlin as a U.S. Solheim Cup Team rookie.

“I think Jennifer probably more so than anyone is a great fit for this golf course. I love how high and how straight she hits a golf ball. You can see it in how many strokes she gains off the tee and her ball striking is always what carries her,” said Lewis. “Sarah’s just super solid and doesn’t beat herself up. She’s a player who can play both formats with a lot of different people. She’s somebody that we’ve been watching for a long time and so we’re excited for her to be playing her first Solheim Cup and teeing it up in Virginia.”

“I am so happy to be part of the U.S. Team again, back in the team atmosphere,” said Kupcho. I’m most excited to be back on U.S. soil and just representing the U.S. in my country is so special to me. I’m so, so excited to do this for my third time and to play under Stacy, who is a great captain.”

“It’s obviously something that I’ve thought about ever since I started getting invited to the Solheim meetings last year,” said Schmelzel. “It’s something that just kind of sits in the back of your mind, and it’s always there in the back of your mind. It’s always something that you’re working toward, so to finally get to that moment and realize that it had come to fruition, it was honestly really surreal.”

The Solheim Cup 2024

Players started accruing points toward the U.S. Solheim Cup points standings at the 2023 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. Points were awarded to the top 40 participants at each ranking event, with double points awarded at the five major championships. In the Solheim Cup year, all points values increased by 50%. The full points breakdown is available at www.solheimcupusa.com/usa-points-standings/how-to-qualify.

The biennial Solheim Cup is the most prestigious international team event in women’s professional golf. In 2022, the European Team retained the Cup following a 14-14 tie with the U.S. Team at Finca Cortesin in Spain. The U.S. Team leads the European Team, 10-7-1, all-time in Solheim Cup competition.

Solheim Cup 2024: Team USA

Player Qualification
Nelly Korda U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Lilia Vu U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Lauren Coughlin U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Ally Ewing U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Allisen Corpuz U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Megan Khang U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Andrea Lee U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Rose Zhang World Rankings
Alison Lee World Rankings
Lexi Thompson Captain’s Pick
Jennifer Kupcho Captain’s Pick
Sarah Schmelzel Captain’s Pick
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Solheim Cup Captain’s Picks: Team Europe Is Now Complete

Suzann Pettersen named her four captain’s picks for the 2024 Solheim Cup on Sky Sports on Monday. Albane Valenzuela, Anna Nordqvist, Emily Kristine Pedersen and Georgia Hall will complete the 12-strong team. After the picks, it is also clear that the European team has only two changes compared to the 2023 Solheim Cup. Albane Valenzuela and Esther Henseleit are the two rookies in the team for the competition at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. Prior to the picks, eight players – including Charley Hull– had already qualified with their performances. Team Europe:

Player Nation Qualification
Albane Valenzuela Switzerland Captain’s Pick
Anna Nordqvist Sweden Captain’s Pick
Carlota Ciganda Spain World Ranking
Celine Boutier France World Ranking
Charley Hull England LET-Ranking
Emily Kristine Pedersen Denmark Captain’s Pick
Esther Henseleit Germany LET-Ranking
Georgia Hall England Captain’s Pick
Leona Maguire Ireland World Ranking
Linn Grant Sweden World Ranking
Madelene Sagström Sweden World Ranking
Maja Stark Sweden World Ranking

Playing vice-captain Anna Nordqvist and fifth consecutive appearance for Georgia Hall

Anna Nordqvist will take on the role of playing vice-captain, as she did in 2023. It will be Nordqvist’s ninth appearance – the most ever by a Swede. Emily Kristine Pedersen from Denmark will be playing a Solheim Cup for the fourth time overall, while it will be Georgia Hall’s fifth in a row.”I love being part of Team Europe, this will be my fifth Solheim Cup and it’s always great to be able to represent Europe,” said Hall.

Solheim Cup 2024

The Solheim Cup 2024 will take place from September 13 to 15, 2024 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, USA. The Europeans are aiming to claim the trophy for the fourth time in a row when they visit the States. The Europeans have won two of the last three editions and retained the Cup with a draw as defending champions in 2023.

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Prize Fund Announced for the AIG Women’s Open

The prize fund for the AIG Women’s Open, which is being played this week at the Old Course from 21-25 August 2024, St Andrews will be $9.5 million, an increase of $500,000 on the previous year.

First established in 1976 and now owned by The R&A, the AIG Women’s Open is one of five major championships in women’s golf. The Championship is the showpiece for The R&A’s commitment to growing women and girls’ golf via the Women in Golf Charter, and aims to champion the changing face of women’s golf; to inspire, engage and provoke in order to challenge perceptions that will shape the future of the sport. Each year 144 players compete for the championship trophy with the low amateur, who plays 72 holes, awarded the Smyth Salver. 

The prize fund for the championship has tripled since before The R&A’s partnership with AIG began in 2019. This year the Champion will take home $1,425,000, the highest amount in the AIG Women’s Open’s 48-year history.

The growth in the AIG Women’s Open prize fund

  • 2024 – $9.5 million
  • 2023 – $9 million
  • 2022 – $7.3 million
  • 2021 – $5.8 million
  • 2020 – $4.5 million
  • 2019 – $4.5 million (beginning of The R&A and AIG partnership)
  • 2018 – $3.25 million

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “With the outstanding backing we have received from AIG as our title sponsor we have been able to achieve a step change and take this Championship to new levels. We greatly appreciate AIG’s support and are proud that they share our goal to elevate the AIG Women’s Open still further and ensure it remains at the pinnacle of the women’s game. The increased prize fund and our enhancements to the staging and the spectator experience this year reflect our shared commitment to making the AIG Women’s Open a world class championship for players and fans alike.”

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Golf at the Olympics 2024 – The Tee Times For Day 3

The women’s golf tournament at the 2024 Olympics will take place from Wednesday, 7. August to Saturday, 10. August. All 60 participants will play 18 holes over four days. The golfer with the fewest strokes after a total of 72 holes will win the gold medal, while second and third place will receive silver and bronze. If golfers have the same number of strokes at the end of 72 holes, there will be a play-off.

Golf at the 2024 Olympics: Starting Times

The four tournament rounds at the 2024 Olympics will start at 9 a.m. from Wednesday to Saturday. They will start in flights of three, i.e. groups of three golfers. All flights begin their round on the first tee, starting 11 minutes apart. The tee times for rounds 1 and 2 are announced before the start of the tournament, while the starting order for rounds 3 and 4 is usually determined by the leaderboard from the previous day. The best players then start last.

Tee Times Olympia Women 2024 Round 3

Starting Time Hole Player 1 Player 2 Player 3
9:00 1 DELACOUR Perrine
(FRA)
FASSI Maria
(MEX)
KOMULAINEN Noora
(FIN)
9:11 1 LAKLALECH Ines
(MAR)
WIKSTROM Ursula
(FIN)
MAGUIRE Leona
(IRL)
9:22 1 PEDERSEN Emily K
(DEN)
MEADOW Stephanie
(IRL)
HULL Charley
(GBR)
9:33 1 SASO Yuka
(JPN)
CIGANDA Carlota
(ESP)
FANALI Alessandra
(ITA)
9:44 1 KOUSKOVA Sara
(CZE)
FORSTERLING Alexandra
(GER)
RETO Paula
(RSA)
9:55 1 LAU Ashley
(MAS)
STAVNAR Madelene
(NOR)
DAVIDSON SPILKOVA Klara
(CZE)
10:11 1 BELAC Ana
(SLO)
KOERSTZ MADSEN Nanna
(DEN)
van DAM Anne
(NED)
10:22 1 SCHOBER Sarah
(AUT)
TAN Shannon
(SGP)
ARDINA Dottie
(PHI)
10:33 1 HENDERSON Brooke M.
(CAN)
TAVATANAKIT Patty
(THA)
HALL Georgia
(GBR)
10:44 1 de ROEY Manon
(BEL)
CHIEN Pei-Yun
(TPE)
GREEN Hannah
(AUS)
10:55 1 KIM Hyo Joo
(KOR)
MUNOZ Azahara
(ESP)
SHARP Alena
(CAN)
11:06 1 GRANT Linn
(SWE)
VALENZUELA Albane
(SUI)
KO Jin Young
(KOR)
11:17 1 SPITZ Emma
(AUT)
LEE Minjee
(AUS)
HENSELEIT Esther
(GER)
11:33 1 STARK Maja
(SWE)
LOPEZ Gaby
(MEX)
BORGE Celine
(NOR)
11:44 1 VU Lilia
(USA)
YANG Amy
(KOR)
ASHOK Aditi
(IND)
11:55 1 KORDA Nelly
(USA)
HSU Wei-Ling
(TPE)
DAGAR Diksha
(IND)
12:06 1 BUHAI Ashleigh
(RSA)
LIN Xiyu Janet
(CHN)
ZHANG Rose
(USA)
12:17 1 THITIKUL Atthaya
(THA)
BOUTIER Celine
(FRA)
YAMASHITA Miyu
(JPN)
12:28 1 URIBE Mariajo
(COL)
BABNIK Pia
(SLO)
PAGDANGANAN Bianca
(PHI)
12:39 1 METRAUX Morgane
(SUI)
YIN Ruoning
(CHN)
KO Lydia
(NZL)
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Disaster at the 2024 Olympics: Did this Hole Cost Nelly Korda Gold?

It was a surprisingly poor start to the tournament for the Tokyo gold medalist. Many were probably surprised when Nelly Korda was already three strokes over par after seven holes of the golf tournament at the 2024 Olympics. However, she then showed a more familiar picture in the second round. A flawless front nine, five strokes under par after eleven holes. She climbed up the leaderboard and was even tied for second place after another stroke gain. The gold medal was within reach again.

Golf at the 2024 Olympics: quadruple bogey for Nelly Korda

Then came the 16th and the tide turned quickly. Korda skillfully avoided the 15th, where many of the great golfers had already strayed into the water, but she got wet on the 16th. The ball, which was supposed to land directly on the green on the par 3, hit land on the other side of the water hazard, but bounced back unhappily. A penalty stroke for the American and she continued from the drop zone. She was unable to collect herself quickly enough and her third shot also fell short and landed in the bunker in front of the green. She was unable to control the ball properly from the bunker and it rolled far too far into the front green on the opposite side. Stroke 5 finally brought the ball within two meters of the hole. However, it took two more putts before the ball was finally sunk.

(Screenshot: igfgolf.org)

She recorded a total of seven strokes on the par-3. Four of the six strokes she had gained over the course of the day were lost again and the medals were a long way off. Even a world number one is not immune to a hole like this and she was also shaky on 17. A three putt cost her another shot. At least there was a final birdie for Korda on the 18th, but the round of 70 is far from what it could have been. She dropped back to T12, six strokes behind the leader Morgane Metraux. With two rounds still to play, Nelly Korda is far from being written off, but the path to a second gold has become much more difficult.

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Qualification Process for 2025 European Ryder Cup Team

Ryder Cup Europe today confirmed the qualification process for the 2025 European Ryder Cup team which will defend the trophy against the United States at Bethpage in New York from September 26-28, 2025.

Ryder Cup Points List for Qualification

In a significant change from previous years – an alteration ratified by the DP World Tour’s Tournament Committee – there will be only one Ryder Cup Points List operational in the 2024/2025 qualification period, using points earned in accordance with a new tournament banding structure implemented by Ryder Cup Europe in consultation with Captain Luke Donald.

 The below table outlines the total points available at each tournament in each defined category.

Tournament CategoryPoints available
Major Championships5,000 points
2025 PGA TOUR Signature Events / The Players / FedExCup Playoffs3,000 points
DP World Tour Rolex Series Events2,000 points
2025 PGA TOUR Regular FedExCup Events2,000 points
DP World Tour ‘Back 9’ Events1,500 points
DP World Tour ‘Global Series’ Events1,000 points
2025 PGA TOUR ‘Opposite Field’ Events1,000 points

This represents an amalgamation of and a replacement for the two former lists utilised in previous qualification campaigns; ie: the World Points List (which was based on Official World Golf Ranking points accrued during the qualifying period) and the European Points List (which was based on Race to Dubai Ranking points accrued during the qualifying period).

Elements of the process which have not changed are:

  • To be eligible to be a member of the 2025 European Ryder Cup team, a player must (i) be European (defined in accordance with the IGF National policy) and (ii) be in membership of the DP World Tour.
  • The team will comprise the top six qualified players (from the new Ryder Cup Points List) and six Captain’s Picks.

The qualification process for the 2025 European Ryder Cup team will begin at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at The Belfry from August 29 – September 1, 2024 – a tournament host and venue synonymous with Ryder Cup success, the English venue having played host to two European triumphs (1985 and 2002) and a tied match in 1989 to retain the trophy; Faldo having played in both 1985 and 1989.

The qualification process will end at the DP World Tour tournament which concludes on Sunday August 24, 2025, a tournament which will be confirmed when the DP World Tour outlines its full 2025 schedule next month.

Other important points to note in relation to the qualifying process are as follows: 

  • In 2024, from the start of the qualifying campaign (August 29) through to the end of the calendar year, the only place to earn Ryder Cup points will be from events on the DP World Tour – ie: the Back 9, the DP World Tour Play-Offs and the Opening Swing events of the 2025 season.
  • Ryder Cup points will only be eligible to be earned in PGA TOUR events from January 1, 2025, until Sunday August 17, 2025.
  • No points will be allocated to any events scheduled against Rolex Series events (as per the 2023 qualification campaign) other than in the 2025 ISCO Championship on the PGA TOUR, played opposite the Genesis Scottish Open.
  • Points will be allocated to The Zurich Classic on the PGA TOUR with 50% of each position being allocated to each player in the team, but only if both players are European.

European Captain Luke Donald said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm the details of the qualification process for our 2025 Ryder Cup team. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to get to this point and everything is now focused on doing all we can to retain the trophy in New York next September.”

Guy Kinnings, CEO of PGA European Tour, the Managing Partner of Ryder Cup Europe LLP, said: “This is a major milestone moment in our journey to the 2025 Ryder Cup. This is without question a much cleaner and simpler qualification system than the ones utilised in previous years and we thank Luke and his Vice Captains Edoardo Molinari and Thomas Bjørn for their vital input over the past few months.”

(Text: Ryder Cup Europe)