Leona Maguire has played in all five sessions of the 2021 and 2023 Solheim Cups, earning 7.5 points from 10 matches.
Despite her past success, she only played in one session during the 2024 event in Virginia.
European captain Suzann Pettersen explained that it’s tough to bench great players but they had to go with those performing best this week.
Pettersen mentioned to Golf Channel that Leona is a fantastic teammate and will be ready for tomorrow. She understands the team’s strategy even if she’s disappointed.
Current Season Highlights:
Maguire, who has two LPGA Tour wins, had her best finish at T-Mobile Match Play Las Vegas in 2024, losing to Nelly Korda 4&3. Interestingly, Korda was also not included in Saturday’s afternoon four-ball session.
Maguire has never been on the losing side of a Solheim Cup match.
Her debut in 2021 was remarkable with four wins and one tie, setting a rookie record for points. At Finca Cortesin, she added three more wins but also faced two losses.
Fans might find it surprising how team strategies can change so quickly.
At Robert Trent Jones Golf Club this year, US captain Stacy Lewis chose not to have any player participate in all four team sessions. Meanwhile, Pettersen decided Emily Pedersen and Charley Hull would play all four sessions. Last year in Spain, Maguire along with Pedersen and Linn Grant played every session.
What do you think about these decisions?
