After Lydia Ko’s electric victory at the Old Course, professional golf’s major championship season has come to an end. Luckily for us, September is home to what may be the most anticipated event of the season, the Solheim Cup.
This year’s event will see the United States and European teams facing off for three days of team competition at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. Here is what the Fairway to Green team is looking forward to this weekend as we head down to VA to cover the event.
The Solheim Cup Teams
Stacy Lewis (USA) and Suzann Pettersen (Europe) come into the Solheim Cup with a mix of veterans and young stars on their respective teams. The United States squad will once again lean on familiar faces like Lexi Thompson and Nelly Korda while also welcoming fresh talent into the fold, including one of golf’s hottest players, UVA’s own Lauren Coughlin.
Europe, on the other hand, features a balanced blend of players with major championship experience and rookies eager to make their mark. The team is headlined by Charley Hull, the 12th-ranked player in the world, and Celine Boutier, the 10th-ranked player. Given the event’s history of close finishes, every decision made by the captains could make or break their team’s week.
The Format
The Solheim Cup format is unique but similar to golf’s other premier team event, the Ryder Cup. The competition is comprised of varying formats over three intense days. Friday and Saturday will feature foursome (alternate shot) and four-ball (best ball) matches, where teamwork is essential, and partnerships can make or break a team’s momentum.
On Sunday, all twelve players from each team will face off in singles matches. With 28 points up for grabs, the U.S. team will need to capture 14.5 points to win the Cup, while the Europeans only need 14 to tie and retain the Cup. The Europeans secured a tie to retain the Cup last year.
Lexi’s Last Cup?
Rumors are swirling that this could be Lexi Thompson’s final appearance in the Solheim Cup. Having been a fixture on the U.S. team for over a decade, Thompson’s potential farewell adds a sentimental element to an already emotional event. Lexi has consistently been a standout player, having competed on every Solheim Cup team since she turned professional, and fans will be watching closely to see if she can deliver one last memorable performance.
European Resurgence
The European team has seen a resurgence in recent years, coming from behind to secure a tie last year while winning the previous two editions of the Solheim Cup. With a deep roster and players like Celine Boutier and Charley Hull in top form, the European team will look to continue their recent dominance. The confidence built from their victories gives them an edge, but on U.S. soil, they will need to battle even harder to retain the Cup.
Fairway to Green will be reporting live from Robert Trent Jones Golf Club this week. Follow us on Instagram (@fairwaytogreen) and TikTok (@fairwaytogreen) for video recaps.
