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Highlights Tours

Solheim Cup 2024: Proud US Fans and European Criticism of Pettersen

The Solheim Cup 2024 was deservedly won by Team USA. The hosts were particularly impressive on the first two days in the Foursomes and Fourballs and their triumph created a great atmosphere among US fans on social media. While a large proportion of European fans were proud of their team’s performance, there was also a lot of criticism of Solheim captain Suzann Pettersen on social media – with Leona Maguire in the middle.

Solheim Cup 2024: Much criticism of captain Pettersen’s decisions

Alongside many positive reactions to Team Europe’s performance, much of the criticism from European fans on X (Twitter) was directed at captain Suzann Pettersen. At the center of the discussions surrounding Pettersen’s decisions regarding playing times and pairings was Ireland’s Leona Maguire. She had only played one fourball match on Friday (6&4 USA) and did not play at all on Saturday. According to Maguire, she played her singles match on Sunday with “extra motivation” and impressed with a dominant victory against Ally Ewing (4&3). After losing the Solheim Cup 2024, the Irishwoman was a little frustrated about the few appearances: “I feel like I’ve been playing really great golf all week in practice and it was a bitter pill to swallow to be sat out for as many sessions as I was. [Pettersen] didn’t give much reason, to be honest.” Maguire also responded to a post on X about her singles win by saying “form is temporary, class is permanent” – a possible dig at captain Suzann Pettersen’s decision.

Leona Maguire was definitely not alone in her frustration on social media. For example, X-user @poconnell383 wrote: “Very bizarre selections – no Leona all Saturday.” A similar sentiment was shared by @ColmMurf: “Pleased to see Leona’s one-on-one proved her captain inept. How she was picked for just one game was outrageous.” And @NeilFonda also expressed surprise at the European captain’s decisions: “It’s absolutely outrageous that Pettersen hasn’t explained why Leona McGuire was left out of 3 sessions!”

It is therefore not surprising that some European fans are calling for a new team captain for the 2026 Solheim Cup in the Netherlands. X-user @HoundDogBedtime, for example, also blamed Pettersen’s decisions for the defeat: “I hope they pick up on the mistakes Pettersen made: Captain’s picks and match compositions were extremely poor.” Users like @john_cross4 and @mantom62 even spoke openly in favor of a new captain.

Alongside all the criticism, however, there are also countless comments from European fans who are proud of Team Europe. Posts like the one from X user @Ursina70 piled up: “Great team, what a battle in the singles! I enjoyed every moment and almost lost my voice shouting “GO Europe” in the middle of that huge US crowd…”

Solheim Cup 2024: Euphoria among US fans and praise from the European camp

Unsurprisingly, there is euphoria among US fans on social media now that the Solheim Cup is back in the hands of Team USA for the first time since 2017. There are countless comments like @golfrichmar under posts on the US women’s X account: “Way to make it interesting ladies and thanks for bringing the Cup back home where it belongs.”

But many European fans like @reid1234576 also praised the performance of the American golfers: “Devastated for Europe, but USA played amazing”

In two years’ time, Team Europe will have the opportunity to regain the trophy in the Netherlands. Possibly again with Esther Henseleit and Leona Maguire and without team captain Suzann Pettersen.

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Ladies Tours

Team USA Wins 2024 Solheim Cup

Team USA wins the Solheim Cup 2024. After starting the final Sunday with a 10-6 lead, the Americans did not let up on Sunday. After Team Europe had successfully claimed the trophy in the last three Solheim Cups, it was Stacy Lewis‘ team that broke the Europeans’ winning streak in Virginia. Team USA put the pressure on early on, but the Europeans fought and kept their chances alive. But the Americans’ lead was too big and in the decisive phase, they got closer to victory with every match they shared. In the end, Lilia Vu scored the decisive half point in her match against Albane Valenzuela.

“It really could have gone either way.”, Captain Stacy Lewis said. “It’s crazy there at the end kind of how it all unfolded. I was just hoping and praying it went our way. Just proud of the team, and Lilia’s finish there was unbelievable. That’s what you expect from one of the best players in the world.”

Singles Results on Sunday at the Solheim Cup 2024

Europe vs USA
11,5 14,5
Europe EResult USA
Charley Hull  6 & 4 Europe Nelly Korda

Charley Hull won the first point of the Sunday for Europe. With a clear 6&4 victory, she faced the world number one Nelly Korda. Korda was able to win a single hole, while Hull played five birdies and ended the match with an eagle on hole 14.

‘I knew I had to go out there and get a low score,’ Hull said after her round, ’and Suzann said to me that they always knew I would be up against Nelly first and if anyone could beat her, it would be me. So that gave me a lot of confidence. Yesterday I played 8 under with my own ball and today I was 7 under after 14 holes. I know I have what it takes to play against Nelly and I feel like I missed a few shots as well, a few putts, but it was a good match and I felt like we gave the crowd what they wanted to see.’

Europe Result USA
Emily Pedersen  6 & 5 USA Megan Khang

Megan Khang scored the first point for the USA. In a demonstration as clear as Hull’s against Korda, Khang ended her match against Pedersen on the 13th hole. Khang put the pressure on from the first hole, while Pedersen made several mistakes. Khang’s performance means she remains unbeaten this week, having also gone unbeaten last year. ‘The atmosphere is just electrifying. I really enjoyed getting the crowd so involved,’ she said after her victory. ‘It’s just like that – you get the crowd going, they go with you, they’re there to lift you up. I’ve enjoyed this week and tried to play my best golf, not just for myself but for my team-mates, my captains, the fans and our country, and I’ve tried to take it one game at a time, like Captain Lewis said.’

Europe Result USA
Georgia Hall  4 & 3 Europe Alison Lee

Georgia Hall also made her mark for Europe after losing her first two matches on Friday and Saturday. After two early bogeys from Alison Lee, Hall took an early 2 up lead on Sunday. Hall extended the lead to 3 up and after another bogey from Lee, she had a 4 hole lead before the back nine. Lee tried to fight back on the second nine, but Hall stood her ground. After her round Hall said: ‘I played really solid and didn’t let her get into the game. It was just a good day, but hopefully I can go on and cheer the team on.’

Europe Result USA
Carlota Ciganda  6 & 4 USA Rose Zhang

Carlota Ciganda, who scored the decisive point for Europe last year, was beaten 6&4 by Rose Zhang. Ciganda tried to control the match early on, but Zhang took the narrow lead right back from her and went 3 up within three holes. The American held on to this lead until the back nine, where she then built up the pressure again and improved to 5 up with birdie-par-birdie. Zhang sealed the deal with an eagle to counter Ciganda’s birdie on 14.

Europe Result USA
Anna Nordqvist  4 & 3 USA Allisen Corpuz

Allisen Corpuz prevails against the experienced Solheim Cup player Anna Nordqvist. Corpuz held a narrow lead over eleven holes, but Nordqvist did not let her pull away. An eagle on the par-5 12th from Corpuz took her to 3 up for the first time, winning the 14th and finishing the match on the 15th. ‘Anna is a great player,’ Corpuz said of her rival. ‘I grew up watching her play. We both played really well. She holed an eagle on 5 and it was just a great match.’

Europ3 Result USA
Esther Henseleit Tied Andrea Lee

Esther Henseleit ends her first appearance at the Solheim Cup with half a point in the singles. She fought a tough match against Andrea Lee and held a narrow lead for long stretches. But Lee stepped up a gear again, while Henseleit’s putts just wouldn’t drop. The match dragged on until the 18th, where the German had another chance to win a whole point for Europe with a birdie, but this putt didn’t drop either.

Europe Result USA
Celine Boutier  1 Up Europe Lexi Thompson

Celine Boutier denies Lexi Thompson a dream farewell from the Solheim Cup. When the two opponents came all square on 18, Thompson still had the chance to score the decisive point for Team USA with a long birdie putt. But Boutier had hit a sensational shot to the flag and what Thompson couldn’t convert, she sank. The Frenchwoman scored an important point for Europe after already being 3 under.

Europe Result USA
Leona Maguire  4&3 Europe Ally Ewing

Leona Maguire, in only her second match at this year’s Solheim Cup, took a point against Ally Ewing after losing 6&4 to Nelly Korda and Megan Khang on Friday. Ewing kept taking the lead from her at the start of the match, but she took control at the end of the front nine and brought the match home safely on 15.

Europe Result USA
Maja Stark  Tied Lauren Coughlin

Maja Stark held her nerve and kept Europe’s chances alive. She had the upper hand for a long time against Lauren Coughlin, who levelled the match on 14. The two went on in lockstep until the 18th, where Maja Stark sent a monster putt on its way in an attempt to prevent a European defeat. The ball went a few metres beyond the hole, but Lauren Coughlin also failed to sink her putt. With the second putt gifted to the Americans, however, it was up to Stark to make her back putt. She did justice to this task, even if her hands were visibly shaking afterwards.

Europe Result USA
Albane Valenzuela  Tied Lilia Vu

Lilia Vu takes the decisive half point against the Americans in her match against Albane Valenzuela. Valenzuela turned the match around in the closing stages after Vu had been ahead for a long time, but in the end a split match was enough for the Americans to decide the match. ‘That meant a lot to me because I really felt like I wasn’t doing anything for the team today and I don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel if I let myself go like that,’ explained Vu after the win. ‘And then I was two shots behind, and on 16 I made an up-and-down save, and then I was able to birdie 17 and 18. I don’t know how. It just happened. I know I looked at the leaderboard on the fairway and saw we were at 14, so I wanted to get that half point for us.
Yeah, I hit the ball from about a metre and a half and it worked.’

Europe Result USA
Madelene Sagstrom 1 Up Europe Sarah Schmelzel

1 Up was enough for Madelene Sagstrom to score a point for Europe. She also put blue on the leaderboard for a long time in her duel against Sarah Schmelzel. Schmelzel forced the match back to all square. But a bogey by the American on 17 gave Sagstrom an advantage again, which she saved for the clubhouse, even though the cup was already lost at this point.

Europe Result USA
Linn Gran 2&1 USA Jennifer Kupcho
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Ladies Tours

Solheim Cup 2024: Empty Grandstands on the First Tee

The first tee shot at a continental competition is an unrivalled experience. Fans get up in the middle of the night to sit on the first tee at dawn and create a great atmosphere, eagerly awaiting the first flights. The Solheim Cup is usually no exception.

Spectators miss the first tee shot at the Solheim Cup 2024

On the first day of the Solheim Cup 2024 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, however, many fans were denied this joy. The reason: too few buses to take spectators from the car park to the golf course. Fans report on X (formerly Twitter) that they have been waiting at the car park for over an hour and still have ‘1000’ people in front of them in the huge queue that has formed. A queue that is not moving as the first tee shot approaches.

‘The first tee on Friday morning of a Solheim is typically the best atmosphere of the year. For the fans to not be here is an absolute travesty.’ writes Beth Ann Nichols of Golfweek.

Just before the first tee shots, much of the grandstand on the first tee was still empty.

blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”>

First tee shot goes in the air at 7:05 (in 25 minutes) and there are so many empty seats. Serious transportation issues going on this morning. Wish they could push back tee times but too much golf to get in. pic.twitter.com/VMSK9V2bh0

— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) September 13, 2024

With only four flights, the spectacle is not only over quickly, but with so many people waiting, it is foreseeable that many will also miss a large part of the morning session. “Complete disaster”, writes Nichols who covers the issue on X.

The transport problems were already becoming apparent the day before, when it took a very long time after the opening ceremony before all the spectators could be transported back.

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Highlights Tours

Solheim Cup 2024: “Housegate” – First Drama Even Before the Start of the Tournament

The Solheim Cup is always good for drama, the best example being the story of the tearful “Gimme Gates” of 2015 involving Suzann Pettersen and Charley Hull, which was rekindled with the return of Alison Lee to the American team. The 2024 Solheim Cup had its first controversy even before the start. As Sky Sports reported, there was a dispute about the European team room. The Europeans made themselves a little too comfortable for the taste of their opponents.

The two team rooms, which are more like team houses, are located near the driving range of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course and as hosts, the Americans had first choice. They left the Europeans the smaller of the two houses, which has the advantage of being directly adjacent to the driving range. Team USA complained when Team Europe used the driving bays in the house, saying that this was not permitted under the contract and that the tables and chairs that Team Europe had placed outside were also against the contract.

US skipper Stacy Lewis explained why these seemingly mundane facts upset the American team: “The inside of their hut doesn’t have much room for tables, so their tables have to be outside. Our players were warming up while having breakfast and chatting. We just tried to give everyone some space so we didn’t have to listen to them eat breakfast. There’s no bad blood.” The problem was solved, they said, by simply moving Team USA further down the driving range.

A Look Into the Past

It’s not just dramas that are being rehashed at the Solheim Cup. The LPGA Tour dug deep into the stars’ social media and found some very special pictures that were crying out to be signed.

“Full Glam” Before the Start of the Tournament

Before the team colors take center stage on Friday, the players had have the opportunity to really dress up at the tournament’s accompanying events. While the players familiarize themselves with the course the days before, the first of these highlights was scheduled for Wednesday with the gala dinner. The Smithsonian American Art Museum with its impressive Kogod Courtyard was prepared for the event. Team Europe appeared together in cream-colored outfits, while Team USA presented itself in navy and black dresses.

And before the tournament can really get underway, one thing is still missing: the opening ceremony.

Support for Team Europe

Team Europe may not have a former president who has visited the team, but it still gets all kinds of support from European (golf) stars.

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Ladies Tours

Solheim Cup 2024: Pairings and Tee Times for Day 1

This week at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, defending champions Team Europe will face Team USA, who have the home advantage at the 2024 Solheim Cup. The Europeans have taken home the trophy three times in a row, but the American fans will not make it easy for Suzann Pettersen’s team.

There are five sessions in total. Friday and Saturday will start with the Foursomes at 7:05 AM. In four matches, two Europeans will compete against two Americans, who will take it in turns to play a ball. The pairings have already been decided independently of each other by the captains on Thursday.

The fourballs will continue at 12 PM on Friday and Saturday, with the pairings often being decided before the first matches have been completed. In the fourballs, two Europeans and two Americans will again compete in one of four matches, but each will play their own ball. The better result of a team is counted.

The singles follow on Sunday. All twelve players from one team will compete head-to-head against the 12 players from the other team. The matches will start at 08:50 AM.

Tee Times Solheim Cup 2024 Day 1 – Foursomes

Match Tee Time Players (USA) Players (Europa)
1 07:05 Nelly Korda / Allisen Corpuz Charley Hull /Esther Henseleit
2 07:17 Rose Zhang / Lauren Coughlin Albane Valenzuela / Celine Boutier
3 07:29 Ally Ewing / Jennifer Kupcho Maja Stark / Emily Pedersen
4 07:41 Lilia Vu / Sarah Schmelzel Linn Grant / Carlota Ciganda
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Panorama

Barack Obama Visits the USA Solheim Cup Team

The Solheim Cup week has a special surprise in store for the US team: former US President Barack Obama, himself a passionate golfer, paid the team a visit in Washington D.C. on Monday evening. During a dinner together, Obama expressed his support for the players and even shared some insights about the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, where the Solheim Cup is being held this year. The 44th President of the United States has been a member of the club since 2017.

Barack Obama at the Solheim Cup 2024

Barack Obama left a lasting impression on the players, including stars such as Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu and Lexi Thompson. Nelly Korda, currently ranked number one in the world, was particularly impressed: “He knew all our names and congratulated us on our successes. That was really something special.” Megan Khang, also part of the team, emphasized: “It was incredible that he took the time to meet us. It shows how much he cares about golf.”

 
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This year is a very special Solheim Cup for the US team. After defeats in 2019 and 2021 and a draw in 2023, in which the Europeans retained the trophy, the team’s motivation to settle scores is greater than ever. Obama seems to have given the team exactly the motivation they need to stand up to the Europeans this year. Alison Lee, whose nine years between Solheim Cup appearances is the longest break in US team history, said Obama’s visit showed the power of golf, which she believes no other sport can offer. “It just shows how much golf brings people together,” Lee said ahead of her second appearance at the Solheim Cup. “Meeting him in person after only seeing him on TV before – as our former president – and seeing him connect with us was incredible. That’s something that only golf can make possible.” Whether Obama’s visit and his motivational words will lead the US team to victory remains to be seen.

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Ladies Tours

Junior Solheim Cup 2024: USA Secures Record Victory

The American team led by Beth Daniel dominated this year’s edition of the PING Junior Solheim Cup and celebrated the biggest victory in the tournament’s history. With a final score of 18.5 to 5.5, the American junior stars impressively beat the European team led by captain Gwladys Nocera at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia.

Record Victory at the Junior Solheim Cup 2024

Before the final day of competition, the Americans were already leading 8-4 after the fourball and foursomes matches on Monday. On the decisive Tuesday, Team USA then went on a remarkable run in the singles, winning ten out of twelve matches. Of particular note was the performance of Jude Lee, who secured her victory with a 5&4 against Perla Sol Sigurbrandsdottir from Iceland and thus contributed the decisive point to the overall victory. “It was just incredible to play with the best girls in the world,” said Lee after her match. “It’s an experience we’ll all never forget.”

The American team put in an impressive overall performance, led by players such as Elizabeth Rudisill, who defeated world number nine Andrea Revuelta from Spain 3&2. Natalie Yen, Anna Fang and Madison Messimer also contributed to the outstanding result with clear victories. The only European to score a full point in the singles was Martina Navarro from Spain, who defeated Nikki Oh 2&1. Overall, the American team performed well in all game formats and dominated the European team in four-ball, foursomes and singles.

The record for the highest winning score at this tournament previously stood at 17 to 7 and was also set by Team USA in the inaugural event in 2002. This year, the American team surpassed this record and celebrated its first victory since 2019.

Beth Daniel Full of Pride

Beth Daniel, captain of the American team and LPGA Hall of Famer, was proud of her team: “My players were simply fantastic. They fought hard and every one of them wanted this win. I think the home advantage gave us extra motivation.” Nocera also paid tribute to her opponents: “Team USA played unbelievably. They had a very strong team and took revenge for last year’s defeat. We will be ready again in two years’ time.”

This is the Junior Solheim Cup

The Junior Solheim Cup, which was launched in 2002, pits the best young female golfers in the USA and Europe against each other in a match play format. Inspired by the professional Solheim Cup, the event is held every two years, alternating between the USA and Europe. In two years’ time, the Junior Solheim Cup will be held in the Netherlands for the first time. Europe will then do everything it can to bring back the trophy and build on this year’s experience with talents such as Andrea Revuelta, Alice Kong and Louise Uma Landgraf. The American team now leads the overall standings with a 9:4 record.

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Highlights Tours

World Golf Ranking: Matt Wallace Climbs Up Almost 20 Spots

The World Golf Ranking has seen some notable shifts this week. Rory McIlroy continues to be the highest-ranked British golfer. McIlroy holds the 3rd position, unchanged from last week. Tommy Fleetwood is the next best British player, holding the 11th spot without any change from the previous week. Fleetwood’s stability in rankings showcases his continued presence among the top golfers globally.

A Look at the Changes in the Ranking

Aaron Rai has seen a slight improvement, moving from 24th to 22nd place, reflecting an upward trend in his performance. Matt Fitzpatrick, however, has dropped from 27th to 28th, indicating a slight decline. Robert MacIntyre stands firm at the 16th position, maintaining his steady performance week over week.

The biggest change among the British players can be seen in Matt Wallace. The 34-year-old won the Omega European Masters on the DP World Tour this week and climbed from 91st to 73rd in the World Golf Ranking as a result.

World Golf Ranking Top-10

In the Top-10 of the World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler continues to lead, maintaining the 1st position. There have been no changes in the Top-10 ranks this week. The other notable golfers include Xander Schauffele at 2nd, Collin Morikawa at 4th, and Ludvig Aberg at 5th. Viktor Hovland remains at 8th place. The stability at the top of the rankings indicates a period of consistency among the world’s elite golfers.

RankingLast Week RankingNationalityPlayer Name
33NIRRory McIlroy
1111ENGTommy Fleetwood
1616SCORobert MacIntyre
2224ENGAaron Rai
2827ENGMatt Fitzpatrick
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Highlights Tours

World Golf Ranking: Scottie Scheffler Stays on Top, Schauffele Steady

The World Golf Ranking has presented few notable updates for American players this week. Scottie Scheffler remains at the top position with no change in his ranking and an average points score of 18.12. Close behind him, Xander Schauffele holds steady at the second position, maintaining his ranking from the previous week with an average points score of 11.35.

World Golf Ranking: Third to Fifth Best American Golfers in the World Golf Ranking

Collin Morikawa continues to hold the fourth position, showing no change from last week, with an average points score of 6.46. Wyndham Clark remains in the sixth position, again with no change, and has an average points score of 5.70. Patrick Cantlay is ranked ninth, maintaining his previous position, with an average points score of 4.81.

Further down the Ranking Akshay Bhatia moved from 28th to 27th aswell as Justin Thomas who also climbed one spot to 29th.

Top 10 Analysis

The top ten positions in the Ranking have experienced minimal changes. Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland stays at the third position, while Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg is steady at the fifth place. The seventh position remains occupied by Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama. Norway’s Viktor Hovland and Bryson DeChambeau from the USA close the top ten, maintaining their eighth and tenth positions respectively.

PositionPlayer NameAverage PointsChange from Last Week
1Scottie Scheffler18.120
2Xander Schauffele11.350
4Collin Morikawa6.460
6Wyndham Clark5.700
9Patrick Cantlay4.810
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Highlights Tours

Solheim Cup 2024: Everything You Need to Know About the Tournament in Virginia

The Solheim Cup 2024 is one of the most important tournaments in women’s golf and will be held from September 13 to 15 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. Every two years, the best female players from the USA and Europe compete against each other to win the coveted trophy. With a long history and a unique match play format, the Solheim Cup is a highlight of golf.

The Solheim Cup week

The format of the Solheim Cup differs from the usual tournaments. On Friday and Saturday, there are four foursome matches in the morning and four fourball matches in the afternoon. In the foursome, two golfers from a team take it in turns to play a ball. In the fourball, both golfers play their own ball, with the best score counting. The decisive individual matches follow on the third day, in which all 24 players compete against each other in direct duels. A total of 28 points are awarded and the team with the most points wins the Solheim Cup.

The venue: Robert Trent Jones Golf Club

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, will host the Solheim Cup for the first time in 2024. However, the golf club is no newcomer to international team golf: it has already hosted the Presidents Cup four times. The course, which stretches along the picturesque Lake Manassas, was opened in 1991 and is considered a masterpiece of the famous golf architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. With its challenging water hazards and layout perfectly integrated into the landscape, the par-72 course not only offers visual highlights, but also strategic challenges for the players.

Solheim Cup 2024: The teams

The Solheim Cup has been held since 1990 and the rivalry between the USA and Europe is firmly anchored in this competition. To date, the USA leads the overall standings with 10 wins to 8. Nevertheless, Team Europe arrives with an impressive winning streak. After a hard-fought draw in Spain in 2023, the Europeans retained the Solheim Cup and have already won in 2021 and 2019. Captain Suzann Pettersen relies on experienced players such as Leona Maguire and Carlota Ciganda, who scored crucial points at the last Solheim Cup and are also among the team’s mainstays this year.

The USA, on the other hand, under captain Stacy Lewis, will be relying on their experienced players such as Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson and Lilia Vu to bring the trophy back on home soil. The home advantage on the challenging course in Virginia could prove decisive as the team battles for another victory.