by 
It is only 12 months since Europe won a historic Solheim Cup treble – and they will be aiming to extend that run to four in a row against the United States when they meet in Virginia in mid-September.
European captain Suzann Pettersen is confident her team can become the first to win the Solheim Cup four times in a row.
“They’ve done it before and know what it entails. I’m confident the atmosphere and the environment will help them rise to the occasion,” Pettersen said.
“The 12 players we have complement each other. I want them to support each other and be united, because that’s the only way to do this job.
“It doesn’t help to have just one superstar because we need all 12 players to be at full capacity.”
The United States have not lifted the trophy since 2017 but captain Stacy Lewis will be hoping the home crowd and wildcard Lexi Thompson can end Europe’s recent dominance.
Thompson, who announced earlier this year that she would retire from full-time golf at the end of 2024, has been involved in the Solheim Cup since 2013 when she was just 18, and Lewis believes her experience will be key.
“I know what Lexi can do at the Solheim Cup and that certainly helped her get a pick,” Lewis said. “She’s someone who’s going to help the team a lot, both on and off the golf course.”
When is the Solheim Cup?
The competition will take place after the LPGA’s major summer tournaments and will last three days, starting on Friday, September 13 and ending on Sunday, September 15.
Where is it happening?
After being held in Europe last year, the Solheim Cup has moved to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, USA.
The club only opened in 1991 but has a rich pedigree, having hosted four Presidents Cups from 1994 to 2005.
How can I watch it on TV?
Sky Sports Golf will broadcast the competition live. Matches will start at 7:05am local time (12:05pm BST) on Friday and Saturday, while Sunday matches will start at 8:50am local time (1:50pm BST).
What is the Solheim Cup?
The Solheim Cup is a women’s professional golf team competition involving Europe and the United States, held once every two years.
Since 2003 it has been held in odd-numbered years, but following the Covid pandemic a change in the golf calendar means it will now be played in even-numbered years, hence it being held twice in 12 months.
The competition is named after Karsten Solheim, a Norwegian-American golf club maker who pioneered the idea in women’s golf. The competition’s format is similar to the men’s Ryder Cup.
The European team completed their first consecutive treble in Solheim Cup history after drawing 14-14 with the United States in last year’s edition, thanks to a heroic putt from Spain’s Carlota Ciganda that tied the score for the Europeans and spectacularly retained the trophy.
The Solheim Cup was first held in 1990 in Florida and the United States have won the competition 10 times, while Europe claimed their eighth victory last year.
Who are the Solheim Cup captains?
The European team will be led by returning captain Suzann Pettersen (Norway), who has selected Anna Nordqvist (Sweden) as playing vice-captain to join non-playing vice-captains Laura Davies (England), Caroline Martens (Norway) and Mel Reid (England).
Team USA also has team captain Stacy Lewis back. It named Morgan Pressel, Angela Stanford, Paula Creamer and Brittany Lincicome as vice-captains.
Who are the players?
Team Europe
Celine Boutier (France), Maja Stark (Sweden), Linn Grant (Sweden), Carlota Ciganda (Spain), Leona Maguire (Ireland) and Madelene Sagstrom (Sweden) have all earned spots in the Women’s World Golf Rankings. They were also part of last year’s team.
Charley Hull (England) and Esther Henseleit (Germany) qualified automatically after securing sufficient points on the Ladies European Tour Solheim Cup points list.
Suzann Pettersen then made her choice of captain, choosing Georgia Hall (England), Anna Nordqvist (Sweden), Emily Kristine Pedersen (Denmark) and Albane Valenzuela (Switzerland).
Team USA
The U.S. team has nine automatic qualifiers on its roster: Allisen Corpuz, Lauren Coughlin, Ally Ewing, Megan Khang, Nelly Korda, Alison Lee, Andrea Lee, Lilia Vu and Rose Zhang.
The three captains chosen by Captain Stacy Lewis are Lexi Thompson, Jennifer Kupcho and Sarah Schmelzel.
What is the format of the Solheim Cup?
Over three days, 28 matches are played, divided into three categories: foursomes, fourballs and singles.
Each team is made up of 12 players, who compete in pairs or individually.
Four foursomes matches and four fourballs matches will take place on Friday and Saturday. Each of these matches will see a European pair take on an American pair.
In a four-a-side match, each team alternates shots and uses one ball for every two players. In a four-ball match, each competitor uses his or her own ball.
Points are awarded to the team that scores the lowest on each hole. The match is won when a team’s advantage is greater than the number of holes remaining on the course. If the score is tied at the end of the match, the match is halved.
The first foursomes matches will start at 07:05 local time (12:05 BST) on Friday and Saturday. The fourballs matches will be played on Friday and Saturday afternoons, starting at 12:05 local time (17:05 BST).
On Sunday, the 24 competitors will play singles matches, with the first of these matches being played at 8:50am local time (1:50pm BST).
In total, 28 matches are scheduled for this weekend, meaning 28 points are up for grabs. The first team to reach the 14.5 point mark will be victorious. Europe will retain the cup if the tournament ends in a draw.
What is the Solheim Cup schedule?
-
Fri 13 Sep: In the morning, four foursomes matches; in the afternoon, four fourballs matches
-
Sat 14 Sept: In the morning, four foursomes matches; in the afternoon, four fourballs matches
-
Sunday September 15: 12 single matches
How can I buy tickets?
General admission tickets are available on the official website
What are the best odds?
-
USA will win: 10/11
-
Europe to win: 11/8
-
Draw: 12/1
Odds are correct as of August 27.
