Lexi Thompson nominated as one of three wildcards for the US Solheim Cup
Lexi Thompson was named as one of the wildcards for the Solheim Cup by US captain Stacy Lewis.
After the AIG Women’s Open, nine players had secured their places through automatic qualification, including world number one Nelly Korda and two-time major winner Lillia Vu.
That left Lewis with three players to choose as wildcards to face Suzann Pettersen’s Team Europe at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia, where the hosts hope to snatch the trophy from the Europeans after defending it with a 14-14 draw at Finca Cortesin in 2023.
To help her with that task, Lewis’ most recognizable image is undoubtedly Thompson. The 29-year-old announced earlier this year that she would be retiring from full-time professional play, but is now looking forward to her seventh and possibly final Solheim Cup appearance. She has also been impressive in 2023, posting a record of 3-1-1, while her overall record is 9-7-7.
Thompson said: “It was a tremendous honour to play under Stacy last year. She is someone I have always looked up to on and off the golf course. It is a great honour to represent my country.”
Lewis has also opted for more experience by adding Jennifer Kupcho. The three-time LPGA Tour winner will be competing in the Solheim Cup for the third time. She goes into the 2024 match with an overall record of 2-3-2.
She said: “It’s special. I mean, it’s the greatest honor to be able to play for your country, but I also think it will be great to be back on US soil.”
Lewis has also turned to Sarah Schmelzel, who will be taking part in the Solheim Cup for the first time. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old has been in good form recently, achieving joint ninth place at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and eighth place at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, among others.
