In an unexpected move, Suzann Pettersen, as Europe begins their Solheim Cup defence, has decided not to include Leona Maguire in the initial foursomes round in Virginia.
Instead, Pettersen has chosen Charley Hull to spearhead Europe’s challenge at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on Friday. Hull, alongside debutant Esther Henseleit, will get the tournament underway against the globe’s top-ranked player, Nelly Korda, and Allisen Corpuz. Hull, 28, has earned Pettersen’s trust, even after she was spotted smoking a cigarette, assisted by a spectator, on Thursday before the competition.
Pettersen defended Hull’s smoking habit while on the field, stating, “She is mature enough to make those decisions”. She went on to praise how well Hull interacted with the spectators at the venue. “She seemed to find what she needed in that particular spectator. So, she’s having a fantastic time,” Pettersen added.
She further added, “Charley and Esther have a strong partnership. They are close friends and have great rapport. It’s good to get Charley started as she doesn’t like to hang around waiting. The duo make for a fantastic combination.”
Pettersen’s decision to leave out Maguire will undoubtedly drop jaws, including those of the opposition. The Irish golfer boasts the Euro team’s topmost record at the Solheim Cup, with victories in seven of her ten games. She was the shining star in Europe’s prior win in the US, notching up four and a half points in Toledo in 2021. However, Pettersen might refer to Maguire’s individual performance in 2024 where she missed the cut in three out of her five Major games and her best finish was a joint 24th place.
Defending her call, Pettersen said: “We have an outstanding team, which is our greatest advantage. The whole team is supportive of the decisions made. Of course, some players are let down by the delay in teaming up, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. There will be plenty of chances to make amends. Surely there will be sightings of Leona on the field, it’s just about how everything was planned this time. Her excellent record and spirited Solheim playing style are well known to us. You will definitely see her in action.”
Opting to leave Leona out of a foursome was indeed a taxing decision, though at times one must trust their instincts, bearing in mind that there are also others who perfectly fit on paper,” stated an anonymous source.
The second match comprises Celine Boutier and Albane Valenzuela representing Europe, up against Lauren Coughlin and Rose Zhang. Emily Pedersen and Maja Stark will be representing Europe in a penultimate foursomes competition against Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho for the US. The session will conclude with Europe’s Linn Grant and Carlota Ciganda facing off Lilia Vu and Sarah Schmelzel.
Shaking off a dreadful Solheim track record is US captain Stacy Lewis’s primary objective. Recently, Europe has seen victory in 2019 and 2021, with only a tie in Spain last year where the US had a clean sweep on Friday morning. The retention of the trophy by Pettersen and her team-members rendered the event sufficient. Only Lexi Thompson and Alison Lee, from the US team, have tasted the sweet success of a Solheim victory.
The major hurdle this week, as mentioned by Lewis, is the fact that most of this group is yet to savour victory. The team-members have been discussing how they were successful in Junior Solheims and Curtis Cup teams, with a few of them being a part of other victorious teams. Their increasing yearly experience is pivotal for such an event, and the direction this experience commands is appreciated by Lewis.
With her reputation for her data-driven approach to selection, Stacy Lewis has shown immense faith in Korda, positioning her at the forefront. “Initiating the match with an experienced player was my plan,” stated the US captain. ” Who better than the world No1. The team, which saw great success last year, is comfortable working together. This makes me confident about our chances.”
Close to the commencement of the competition, Hull was noticed to get her hip treated at the driving range, raising worries among the European side. This concern, however, was later dismissed by Hull. “I was merely getting it back into position,” said Hull. “It has a tendency to pop out. Given the full-week presence of a physio with us, I thought I might as well avail of the service.”
Talking about her unconventional way of handling public exposure, Hull stated: “I enjoy things for my own pleasure. If it doesn’t appeal to others, it’s their issue. I lead my life based on my choices, not according to others’ expectations. I believe I lead a typical life.” – Guardian
The teams for Friday’s Solheim Cup foursomes, in accordance with Irish time, have been set.
12.05pm: A match between Nelly Korda & Allisen Corpuz and Charley Hull & Esther Henseleit.
12.17pm: A match will be held between Rose Zhang & Lauren Coughlin and Celine Boutier & Albane Valenzuela.
12.29pm: A game is scheduled between Ally Ewing & Jennifer Kupcho and Emily Pedersen & Maja Stark.
12.41pm: The final match will be between Lilia Vu & Sarah Schmelzel and Linn Grant & Carlota Ciganda.