Less than a day after eight players secured their spots on the European Solheim Cup team, Suzann Pettersen announced her four wildcards.
Georgia Hall, who just missed automatic qualification, was an obvious choice for Pettersen. This means Hall will make her fifth appearance in the tournament with an 8-7-2 record overall.
“I love being part of Team Europe,” said Hall. “This will be my fifth Solheim Cup and it’s always great to represent Europe. Winning the last three and being part of that, you always want to do it again.”
Pettersen also picked Swedish veteran Anna Nordqvist, who has been a constant in the team since 2009. Nordqvist’s impressive record stands at 15-3-13, and she will also serve as vice-captain for the second time.
“There is no bigger honor than to represent Europe in the Solheim Cup,” said Nordqvist. “I am very excited to have been picked to play in my ninth Solheim Cup. This is beyond my wildest childhood dreams.”
Emily Kristine Pedersen from Denmark is another wildcard pick. She played all five sessions in 2023 at Finca Cortesin in Spain, finishing with a 2-2-1 record as Europe tied with the US 14-14 to retain the trophy.
Fans might think it’s exciting to see such experienced players on the team again.
Pedersen shared her enthusiasm: “I’m very excited to be picked again. I love Solheim; I love team golf and I’m proud to be playing for Europe again. I’ve always looked up to Suzann and I’m excited to play on American soil once more.”
Swiss player Albane Valenzuela completes the lineup. Although she hasn’t appeared at the Solheim Cup before, she finished T4 at the Chevron Championship this year and played for Europe’s Junior Solheim Cup team back in 2015.
“It is absolutely surreal, and a dream come true,” said Valenzuela. “I have dreamt of being in the team ever since I was a kid.”
European Solheim Cup Team
- Charley Hull (points list)
- Esther Henseleit (points list)
- Celine 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)
Stacy Lewis will announce her three Team USA wildcards on August 27th. The matches are set between September 13th and 15th.
What do you think about these picks?
