Solheim Cup Teams finalised as wildcard picks announced
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Annika Sorenstam and Juli Inskter have announced their wildcard picks ahead of the Solheim Cup at Des Moines Golf and Country Club next week
The two respective Solheim Cup captain’s announced their wildcard picks following the final round of the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns Golf Links, with four European picks chosen by Sorenstam and two chosen by Inkster.
Sorestam was the first to announce her team, naming experienced European Solheim players Anna Nordqvist and Caroline Masson in addition to rookies Emily Pedersen and Madelene Sagstrom.
It will be the first time since 2002 that Catriona Matthew, who is a Vice-Captain to Sorenstam next week, won’t be taking part in the Solheim Cup as a player.
However, it does mark an impressive moment for English golf, as nearly half of the side heading to the United States next week is made up of English women – two of which are rookies.
Jodi Ewart Shadoff, who finished second in the Women’s British Open with a course-record equalling 64 on Sunday, is joined by compatriots Charley Hull, Mel Reid, Georgia Hall (rookie) and Florentya Parker (rookie).
Solheim stalwarts Suzann Pettersen, Carlota Ciganda and Karine Icher complete the rest of the automatic qualifying spots.
Juli Inkster went on to name rookies Austin Ernst and Angel Yin as her Wildcards, joining a very experienced United States Solheim Cup Team.
Danielle Kang is the only other rookie to featue in the USA team, and joins Lexi Thompson, Brittany Lang, Brittany Lincicome, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Gerina Piller, Lizette Salas, Michelle Wie and Jessica Korda.
The USA won the latest contest when the two sides met at Golf Club Le Rot in Germany two years ago, ending Europe’s chances at claiming a hatrick of victories over the American team.
In the 14 times the event has been staged, the USA have won nine times and Europe just five – but having completed their first ever victory over in the States in 2013, the visiting side will go in with a lot of confidence.
Solheim Cup Team: Europe
Carlota Ciganda
Solheim Appearances: 2
Charley Hull
Solheim Appearances: 2
Florentyna Parker
Solheim Appearances Rookie
Georgia Hall
Solheim Appearances Rookie
Jodi Ewart Shadoff
Solheim Appearances: 1
Karine Icher
Solheim Appearances: 3
Mel Reid
Solheim Appearances: 2
Suzann Pettersen
Solheim Appearances: 8
Europe: Wildcards
Anna Nordqvist
Solheim Appearances: 4
Caroline Masson
Solheim Appearances: 2
Emily Pedersen
Solheim Appearances: Rookie
Madelene Sagstrom
Solheim Appearances: Rookie
Solheim Cup Team: USA
Brittany Lang
Solheim Appearances: 4
Brittany Lincicome
Solheim Appearances: 5
Cristie Kerr
Solheim Appearances: 8
Danielle Kang
Solheim Appearances: Rookie
Gerina Piller
Solheim Appearances: 2
Jessica Korda
Solheim Appearances: 1
Lexi Thompson
Solheim Appearances: 2
Lizette Salas
Solheim Appearances: 2
Michelle Wie
Solheim Appearances: 4
Stacy Lewis
Solheim Appearances: 3
USA: Wildcards
Austin Ernst
Solheim Appearances: Rookie
Angel Yin
Solheim Appearances: Rookie
