As Finca Cortesín is working on the final preparations to get everything ready for the Solheim Cup 2023, the competing teams are doing the same. Decisions have now been made as to the women who will fill an important position on the European team, namely Suzann Pettersen’s vice-captains. Want to find out the names you’ll hear time and time again at the greatest competition in women’s golf, the Solheim Cup? You’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll tell you who will be representing Europe in the Malaga edition of the legendary biennial tournament that sees the best players in ladies’ golf from either side of the Atlantic face each other. And for the very first time, on Spanish soil.
From performance to points: the composition of the European team
Though the team has not yet been finalised, we do know the names of some of the players. There are some specific rules governing the selection process for the twelve players defending the European flag this September. The six best golfers from the Rolex Women’s World Ranking are selected, as well as the two best players in points from the LET Solheim Cup. The four remaining players are chosen by the captain of the European team, which in this edition is Suzann Pettersen. Excellent performance plays an indispensable role when it comes to which golfers are chosen to represent Europe or not.
Pettersen’s vice-captains
For the upcoming edition of the Solheim Cup, captain Suzann Pettersen has chosen three vice-captains that have both experience and vision, values that are sure to do Europe well in the tournament. The first vice-captain is the successful Anna Nordqvist, a 35-year old golfer who has played the tournament on several occasions since 2009. The second is Laura Davis, a British player with a number of Grand Slams behind her and who has been vice-captain for the Solheim Cup on two occasions. And the third is the Norwegian player Caroline Martens. At 59 years old, Laura Davis is the most experienced player in the team. Since her first Solheim Cup in 1990, she has played in 12 editions of the championship. Other highlights of her career include wins at the US Women’s Open in 1987, two LPGA Championships and a Du Maurier. Anna Nordqvist and Caroline Martens also have some great victories to their names. The former, who has won three majors over three decades (the LPGA Championship, the Evian and the British Open), has played alongside Pettersen on a number of occasions and knows the captain as well as Martens. The three vice-captains will accompany Pettersen in her tour through Casares (province of Malaga) alongside the twelve players who have been selected for the team following the aforementioned process.
Source: Solheim Cup 2023
The highest ranking players in the LET and the World Ranking in January 2023
To date, in January 2023, the highest ranking players in points in the Ladies European Tour are Maja Stark and Linn Grant, both of whom are Swedish. In terms of the World Ranking, the highest ranking players are, in order, Leona Maguire, Celine Boutier, Charley Hull, Georgia Hall, Madelene Sagstrom and Nordqvist, who has been chosen as vice-captain by Pettersen. However, given the selection rules for the European team, the names can change right up to the end of the classification period for both rankings. So, could some Spanish players end up on the final list? It’s possible, of course, and there’s no lack of talent around. Just look at Carlota Ciganda’s performance in the last edition of the tournament and the Spanish players’ results in the recent Open de España femenino.
US Women’s Golf at the Solheim Cup: the best of the LPGA Tour
With over half a century of history behind it, the LPGA has created some of the greatest players of all time and has brought them to the Solheim Cup. And this edition isn’t set to be any different. The US league, which is one of the most competitive out there, has trained up talent that has won the much anticipated Solheim for the American team in ten out of sixteen editions. The complex and exciting task faced by Pettersen and her three vices is, therefore, no other than keeping the Cup at home with a win at Finca Cortesín in the Costa del Sol. Facing them will be world-class American players, led by Stacy Lewis. The final list of players will not be known until the end of the ranking period. Players who have done well in points to date in the LPGA and Rolex ranking include Lexi Thompson, Danielle Kang, Jennifer Kupcho and the Korda sisters, among others.
It is worth mentioning that the selection process for the twelve players of the American team differs from the European. Each team decides its own system. While in the European team, the captain chooses four players, the American captain can choose only three. Additionally, only the two highest ranking players in the Rolex Ranking will make the US team, giving priority to the LPGA, which requires excellent performance and as such provides seven team members.
As the clock counts down, the course is getting ready
Set in unbeatable scenery, Finca Cortesín - an incredible resort in Casares - has already got everything ready to host the tournament. The challenging course, countless luxuries and the relaxation afforded by the natural scenery make this tourist resort the best possible destination for the titans of the European Solheim Cup Team to take on the American team. A world-class destination in the Costa del Golf.
Source: Solheim Cup 2023
Are you keen to be there to watch the events of this world-class golf championship unfold before your eyes? If the answer is yes, you can get your tickets for the Solheim Cup 2023 on the official tournament website. The endless wonders of the province of Malaga welcome you with open arms on the 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 September for the greatest championship in women’s golf, the Solheim Cup. It’s one you won’t want to miss.
