The 2024 Solheim Cup is here, just a year after Europe’s dramatic tie in Spain.
Five players from last year’s teams didn’t make it to this year’s match at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
Here’s a look at who missed out and the new faces stepping up for the 2024 edition.
Danielle Kang (Team USA)
Kang was an automatic pick for the US team in 2023, securing two wins from four matches. However, her form has dipped since then, leaving her far down on the points list. Without any top-10 finishes this year, Stacy Lewis chose Jennifer Kupcho, Sarah Schmelzel, and Lexi Thompson instead.
Cheyenne Knight (Team USA)
Knight shined as a wildcard last year with a solid 2-0-1 record. Despite some good performances early in 2024, she didn’t qualify automatically or get picked by Lewis again. Fans might be surprised by this decision given her past success.
Angel Yin (Team USA)
Yin was another wildcard in 2023 and did well with a 2-1-0 record. She almost made it automatically this time but missed out by one spot on the points list. Andrea Lee and Alison Lee took the final spots instead .
Gemma Dryburgh had a decent run before being picked as a wildcard for Europe last year. She played only two sessions and couldn’t make much of an impact. This year, despite some high finishes, she didn’t secure an automatic spot or get another wildcard from Pettersen.
Caroline Hedwall appeared for the fifth time in 2023 but only played twice during the event. Her form since then hasn’t been great either, with just one top-10 finish this season.
The New Faces…
Five newcomers have taken over for the absent players. Let’s see who’s ready to shine at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club!
Lauren Coughlin (Team USA)
Coughlin earned her spot with wins at both the CPKC Women’s Open and ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open. Playing in her home state seemed to give her an edge as she started strong alongside Rose Zhang with a win against Boutier and Valenzuela.
Alison Lee (Team USA)
Lee returns to Solheim Cup action after nine years! Known for ‘gimmegate’ back in 2015, she’s hoping for less drama this time around. Her world ranking helped secure her place thanks to consistent top finishes during qualifying.
Sarah Schmelzel (Team USA)
Schmelzel’s six top-10 finishes caught Lewis’s eye, earning her a wildcard spot. Lewis praised her versatility and steady playstyle—qualities that quickly paid off when Schmelzel teamed up with Lilia Vu for an early victory against Grant and Ciganda.
Fans are probably excited about these fresh talents bringing new energy to their teams!
Esther Henseleit (Team Europe)
Henseleit qualified via LET Points List after racking up four top-10 finishes on tour plus an Olympic silver medal ! Despite starting with a loss alongside Charley Hull against Korda and Corpuz, she’s expected to bounce back strong.
Albane Valenzuela (Team Europe)
Valenzuela got a wildcard based on solid performances over two years including two LPGA top-10s this season. Pettersen highlighted her excellent ball-striking skills and positive energy—though she faced tough competition right away losing to Zhang/Coughlin duo in foursomes.
What do you think about these changes? Who are you rooting for?
