Tag: Solheim Cup 2024

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Solheim Cup 2024: “The Most Fun I’ve Had on a Golf Course” -Team USA’s Winner Press Conference

Team USA at the Press Conference after winning the Solheim Cup 2024. (Photo: Getty)
Team USA at the Press Conference after winning the Solheim Cup 2024. (Photo: Getty)

The Solheim Cup 2024 seemed to have been decided after the first two days of the tournament and after the first singles matches at the latest. However, Team Europe fought their way back into the competition in impressive fashion and ensured excitement on the final day, which was ultimately decided by Lilia Vu in favor of the Americans. Afterwards, a visibly relieved and happy Team USA answered questions from the media. The winners’ press conference.

Solheim Cup 2024: Proud US fans and European criticism of Pettersen

Solheim Cup 2024: “Maybe she’ll make another one” – Thompson-Farewell?

THE MODERATOR: Hello, everyone, and welcome to the media center for the 2024 Solheim Cup. I am joined by the victorious United States team. Stacy, just talk about how proud you are of this team and the week you all have had.

STACY LEWIS: Yeah, it was an amazing week from the start. We started the week off Monday going around D.C. and we had a great day.

From the moment this team was together, they were together. There was no we needed a couple days or anything like that. The vibe in the team room was amazing, the way they got along, the way they support each other. Our group of caddies were off-the-charts keeping the team room loose, making sure everybody had fun, and it showed. It showed in the golf that was played.

I’m just so proud of them. I’m proud that they get this moment where they get to celebrate tonight and win this Cup.

Q. Megan, you went back-to-back years undefeated in the Solheim Cup, a huge feat. Heck yeah. Just talk about how important both those experiences were for you.

To be able to go undefeated for both Solheims, it’s been incredible and a dream come true. Hopefully keep the streak alive and make the next Solheim Cup in 2026 in the Netherlands.

Q. Rose, you went 4-0 this week. I believe you never saw the 16th hole. Talk about your week and how awesome it was.

ROSE ZHANG: Oh, it’s been absolutely incredible. I feel like starting off the beginning of the week, I just felt so comfortable with everyone. The whole team has just been — they’ve just been so friendly, and everyone has had a good time in the team room, on the golf course. Like Stacy said, it translated over to the golf course.

I felt a lot more loose than I did last year, and it was good vibes all around.

Q. Lilia, you earned the point to capture the victory for the U.S. Team. How important was that for not only yourself but for the team?

LILIA VU: It was so important. I felt like in the middle of the match the wheels were kind of falling off. 16 I hit it through the green and into the bunker and I knew I had to make up-and-down.

And then somehow birdied 17 and was able to hit it really close on 18. I knew — I looked at the leaderboard, saw we had 14 points, and like Stacy said at the beginning of the week, half points matter. I only had one goal was to get it close and get that birdie.

Q. Stacy, when you accepted the captaincy in 2022, you said that the team needed you now. What did the team need back then, and do you think you met what the team needed?

STACY LEWIS: They needed to have fun and they needed to enjoy this. This needed to do that but also needed to play good golf. I think there was a lot of tension of trying to play perfect golf and not enjoying it in the process.

This team enjoyed this week more than the golf itself. They had so much fun together. They picked each other up when they needed it. They did whatever I asked of them. They were great, offering feedback on pairings.

Q. Lauren, I’m curious of the experience of playing in your home state and winning in your home state was like for you?

LAUREN COUGHLIN: I mean, it was my first Solheim so I don’t really have anything else to compare it to, but it was an amazing week. I wouldn’t change anything. I had an absolute blast with everybody out here, the caddies, my teammates, captains, our families that were around. It was a very special week.

Q. Lexi, potentially that was your final moment with your teammates out there. What did it mean to get a win in your potential final Cup?

LEXI THOMPSON: Yeah, it was very special. It meant the world to me just to be here and to be part of this team. These girls are incredible.

Words can’t really describe just the personalities on this team and the talent that each and every one of them has. Like they’ve all said, from the beginning of the week, there was just something about this team that was different, the atmosphere, the energy from the team rooms to the bus rides to the first tee experience.

There was nothing like it, and just how we all came together and had fun and played some amazing golf on top of it. It was just great to be part of it.

Q. Stacy, you turned and you passed the Cup to Lexi, kind of reminded me of the Stanley Cup in hockey when players do that. Why was it important for her to have that moment?

STACY LEWIS: Because she deserves that moment. I think she was kind of one of those first players to really get that first tee going loud and going crazy, and I think the Solheim Cup is what it is because Lexi started that, and she started with that energy.

All of my favorite Lexi memories are at the Solheim Cup. I’m just super proud of her. I know today was hard. It was a hard day for her emotionally, I think. Just proud of her fight.

She’s been a leader of this team for a long time. On and off, she leads by the way she prepares and the way she goes about her business. Who knows, maybe she’ll make another one.

Q. Rose, we asked you earlier this week what is it about playing in this air that fits your comfort zone. After going 4-0 here, do you think it might be the grass, the air? Any thoughts after another win outside D.C.?

ROSE ZHANG: Maybe the grass and the air. I’d like to say — it’s just been really comfortable to be playing on bentgrass and playing on these types of golf courses. The fans, I’ve always just thought about how great the fans were.

When they came out and just represented USA and how loud they were, it was just so cool to witness and to feel that inside the ropes.

The first time that I really played back in 2020, it was still COVID, and it was the U.S. Amateur. I don’t really consider that a full-on experience. I’d only consider that the golf course.

Other than that, this week has been just incredible with the golf course and the fans.

STACY LEWIS: I will add that in my day she had the highest course fit rating of anybody on this team, so there’s that part, too. The golf course was made for you, Rose.

Solheim Cup 2024 – Nelly Korda: “Probably the most fun I’ve had on a golf course ever”

Q. Nelly, I’m curious where this week ranks on the fun scale for you over the course of your career.

NELLY KORDA: This was probably the most fun I’ve had on a golf course ever. Just the team, the team environment, the caddies, everyone getting along, the fans. Everyone was so incredible. We all vibed really well off of each other. This is probably the most I’ve laughed and the most I’ve fist pumped ever on a golf course. It was just an amazing week and a dream come true.

Q. Where are the big bottles of champagne?

STACY LEWIS: We haven’t even been back to the team room yet. I think there were a couple. I think they drank them already.

Q. That was a little bit of a joke, but you look a little bit drained up there. You look very relieved. Do you feel like a burden has been lifted and you can just exhale?

STACY LEWIS: I feel that way. I don’t know how the rest of them feel. How do you guys feel?

MEGAN KHANG: I got some choice words that I’m not going to say, but we feel good.

ANGELA STANFORD: We feel like a million dollars, because we got the Cup.

Q. Do you feel like you celebrate in a more mature way than the guys?

STACY LEWIS: We haven’t gotten a chance to yet.

MEGAN KHANG: Have them bring the bottles out and we’ll see.

LAUREN COUGHLIN: We haven’t gotten to celebrate yet.

Q. Lauren, you mentioned that I think you came here four times beforehand. In any of those times did you ever practice a putt to win the Cup?

LAUREN COUGHLIN: So Terry, my caddie, came up the week before Canada, and on the 18th hole he put a putt down and he said, this is to win the Solheim Cup, and I made it.

Q. Suzann was in here just a little while ago and she was a little emotional. Have there been moments since you won that it’s been a little overwhelming for you or that the emotions have really hit you?

STACY LEWIS: Right now, no. Similar to her, in Spain, it didn’t really hit me until I got on the airplane and I was sitting on the airplane with my daughter and she was sleeping and I just lost it and I started crying.

I was like, we did all this work for these girls to play to a tie, and that was literally the only moment. From that point though on it was right back to work because I don’t want that to happen again.

There were parts of this journey that were hard. It was busy. There was a lot of work at times. There were frustrating things at times.

But that’s part of it, and just to watch them celebrate and to see Lilia pull off that shot in that moment was just really, really special.

Q. Do you think now after you leave here you’ll be able to finally, like you said, exhale and enjoy the moment?

STACY LEWIS: Yeah, the shoulders are already down, so we’re going to enjoy the moment. We’re going to celebrate. This has been seven years in the making for a lot of the women on this stage.

There’s a lot — actually 10 that haven’t had this celebration yet, so we’re going back to the team room to celebrate.

Q. Knowing how much you love analytics, now that the matches are over, can you share some of the specific metrics you were using to help determine some of the pairings?

STACY LEWIS: No. No. I mean, a lot of it, it’s got to stay within this team. The assistants know it. We know what works, and I think I’ve got the buy-in now from this team, as well.

But yeah, we’re going to keep a lot of that to ourselves. But I’ll tell you one thing is this team played really, really good this week. It doesn’t matter the pairings or any of that. If you play really, really good golf, you’re going to win.

Q. Stacy, the business is now finished. Can you just speak to what that means?

STACY LEWIS: It’s a little strange, to be honest. I don’t know what I’m going to do next week now.

Yeah, I mean, the job was to get the Cup, and we finished the job. I don’t know what we do now. I hadn’t thought past this moment, to be honest.

Other than we celebrate, I’ve got to get my daughter back home to go to school on Tuesday, but past that, I don’t know what’s next.

MEGAN KHANG: But that’s Tuesday, and it’s Sunday.

STACY LEWIS: Exactly. That’s my point.

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Highlights Tours

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

Team USA wins the Solheim Cup 2024 in front of a home crowd. (Photo: Getty)
Team USA wins the Solheim Cup 2024 in front of a home crowd. (Photo: Getty)

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.

Team USA wins the Solheim Cup 2024

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. (Photo: Getty)
Team USA wins the Solheim Cup 2024. (Photo: Getty)

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

Long lines and empty seats at the Solheim Cup 2024. (Photos: X.com/@fried_egg_golf und @lori_schreiner)
Long lines and empty seats at the Solheim Cup 2024. (Photos: X.com/@fried_egg_golf und @lori_schreiner)

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
Solheim Cup 2024 Live Scores

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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Panorama

Barack Obama Visits the USA Solheim Cup Team

Barack Obama visits the US Solheim Cup Team. (Source: Instagram @lpga_tour)
Barack Obama visits the US Solheim Cup Team. (Source: Instagram @lpga_tour)

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.

The Leaderboard of the Solheim Cup 2024

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

Team USA has won the Junior Solheim Cup 18.5 to 5.5. (Source: X @AJGAGolf)
Team USA has won the Junior Solheim Cup 18.5 to 5.5. (Source: X @AJGAGolf)

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.

The Leaderboard of the Solheim Cup 2024

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

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

Solheim Cup 2024: Everything you need to know. (Images: Getty)
Solheim Cup 2024: Everything you need to know. (Images: Getty)

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.

Meet Team Europe

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.

Get to know Team USA
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Solheim Cup 2024: The Players for Team Europe

Solheim Cup 2024: Get to know the twelve players of Team Europe. (Image: Getty)
Solheim Cup 2024: Get to know the twelve players of Team Europe. (Image: Getty)

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

Solheim Cup 2024: Meet the US Team (Image: Getty)
Solheim Cup 2024: Meet the US Team (Image: Getty)

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

Stacy Lewis has named Jennifer Kupcho, Sarah Schmelzel and Lexi Thompson to the team for the 2024 Solheim Cup. (Source: Getty)
Stacy Lewis has named Jennifer Kupcho, Sarah Schmelzel and Lexi Thompson to the team for the 2024 Solheim Cup. (Source: Getty)

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