Suzann Pettersen announces wildcards for the Team Europe Solheim Cup
Less than a day after eight members of Europe’s Solheim Cup team were confirmed through automatic qualification, captain Suzann Pettersen has named the remaining four players who will travel to Robert Trent Jones Golf Club to defend the trophy against Stacy Lewis’ Team USA.
Georgia Hall narrowly missed out on automatic qualification, so it’s no surprise that Pettersen has named the experienced English star as her first wildcard. Confirmation of Hall’s inclusion in the 12-strong team means she will be taking part in the match for the fifth time, where she has an overall record of 8-7-2.
She said: “I love being part of the European team. This will be my fifth Solheim Cup and it’s always great to be able to represent Europe. When you’ve won the last three and been there, you always want to do it again.”
Georgia Hall narrowly missed automatic qualification
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Pettersen has also turned to another very experienced player: Swedish veteran Anna Nordqvist.
Nordqvist has been a regular on the European Solheim Cup team since 2009 and will be competing for the ninth time. The three-time major winner enters play with an overall Solheim Cup record of 15-3-13 and will combine her role as vice-captain for the second year in a row.
“There is no greater honor than representing Europe at the Solheim Cup, so I am thrilled to have been selected for my ninth Solheim Cup,” said Nordqvist. “This is beyond my wildest childhood dreams.”
Emily Kristine Pedersen is the third wildcard. The Dane took part in all five sessions of the 2023 match at Finca Cortesin in Spain, finishing with a score of 2-2-1 as the Europeans earned a dramatic 14-14 draw with the USA to retain the trophy.
The match will be Pedersen’s fourth appearance in the Solheim Cup, having made her debut in 2017 when the United States won. Her overall record is 5-6-1.
She said: “I am delighted to have been selected again. I love Solheim, I love team golf and I am proud to be playing for Europe again. I have always looked up to Suzann and I am delighted to be playing in the Solheim Cup on American soil again.”
Emily Kristine Pedersen will participate in this match for the fourth time
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Swiss Albane Valenzuela completes the 12-person team. The 26-year-old has not yet taken part in the Solheim Cup, although her career highlights include a T4 at the 2023 Chevron Championship. She also played for the Solheim Cup European Junior Team as an amateur in 2015.
“It’s absolutely surreal and a dream come true,” said Valenzuela. “Since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of being on the team.”
Commenting on her selection, Pettersen said: “Georgia has already proven with her experience that she is a very passionate Solheim Cup player and she is a player you want to have on your team.
“Anna has the experience, her great record at the Solheim Cup speaks for itself and she knows what is important.
“Emily is a player who lives and dies for the Solheim Cup. She has a great passion and her past experiences. I know what I’m getting with Emily. She brings a lot to the team and is a great team player!”
“It’s fantastic to have Albane on the team. She has played solid golf over the last two years and this year in particular she has proven that she deserves a spot on this team. She is a great ball striker and brings a lot of good energy to the team room.”
Stacy Lewis will announce her three wildcards for Team USA on Tuesday, August 27. The Solheim Cup will be held September 13-15.
Confirmed Team Europe Solheim Cup Team
- Charley Hull (Points List)
- Esther Henseleit (points list)
- Céline Boutier (world ranking)
- Maja Stark (world ranking)
- Linn Grant (World Ranking)
- Leona Maguire (World Ranking)
- Carlota Ciganda (world ranking)
- Madelene Sagstrom (world ranking)
- Georgia Hall (Wildcard)
- Anna Nordqvist (Wildcard)
- Emily Kristine Pedersen (Wildcard)
- Albane Valenzuela (Wildcard)
