Team Europe
Team Europe will fight to lift the Solheim Cup trophy for the third time in a row under the leadership of Captain Suzann Pettersen, who takes over from Catriona Matthew. Three assistant captains will deputize Pettersen: Anna Nordqvist, Caroline Martens, and Laura Davies.
To be eligible for Team Europe, a player must:
- Be a current member of the Ladies European Tour (LET)
- Have played in eight Ranking Events as a LET member during the Qualifying Period
- Be a European national, satisfying the International Golf Federation’s Nationality Policy criteria
Team Selection
Team Europe’s 12-member team is selected as follows:
- The top two players from the LET Solheim Cup standings. Celine Boutier and Maja Stark are the 2023 top two.
- The top six LET players on the Women’s World Golf Rankings not already qualified under category one. The 2023 picks include Linn Grant, Georgia Hall, Leona Maguire, Charley Hull, Anna Nordqvist, and Carlota Ciganda.
- Four Captain’s selections include Madelene Sagström, Gemma Dryburgh, Caroline Hedwall, and Emily Kristine Pedersen.
Key Players to Watch Out for in Team Europe
- Celine Boutier
Celine Boutier has quite an impressive resume, including one major title, 5 LPGA wins, and 5 LET victories. The French star has had a remarkable 2023, winning titles such as the Evian Championship and the Scottish Open. She boasts a 5-1-1 Solheim Cup record from 2019 & 2021.
- Anna Nordqvist
Team Europe vice-captain Anna Nordqvist will be making a record eighth Solheim Cup appearance, bringing a wealth of experience. Anna boasts a 14-10-3 record in the Cup and has three major championship titles, 5 LET wins, and 9 LPGA victories.
- Charlie Hull
World number nine female golfer Charlie Hull will be making her sixth consecutive Solheim Cup appearance, with a 9-3-3 record. Hull will be one of the formidable players in the event and boasts 3 LET wins and 2 LPGA victories.
Who are the Favorites?
The 2023 Solheim Cup will witness one of the tightest races in history. Team USA has missed out on the trophy since their astounding 5-point win in 2017, although they lead in total cups won, bagging ten out of the last 17 events. Team Europe has won 7 out of 17 Solheim Cups, but they won the last two events in 2019 and 2021, and they will be seeking to seal their dominance with a third consecutive title at Finca Cortesin.
Betting odds deem Team Europe the slight favorites, given their latest performance and home-ground advantage. Nonetheless, Team USA will have some of the finest talent and tons of experience on the course, and the tournament could go either way.
Wrapping Up
The 2023 Solheim Cup promises to be women’s golf at its pinnacle, with the kind of action and cutthroat competition never witnessed before. Backed by reputable official partners such as PING, you can expect world-class live professional golf if you make it to the Finca Cortesin course or an unforgettable TV-watching experience at home. May the best team win!