Solheim Cup teams announced

Following the conclusion of the Ricoh Women’s British Open, it was time for the Solheim Cup captains to reveal their picks for the teams that will do battle at Des Moines in Iowa between the 14th-–20th August. 

Juli Inkster masterminded the USA’s sensational comeback in Germany as her team won by one point following their domination at the final day singles. Back then, Inkster used her picks to bring in more experience. Now she has opted to bring more youth to her team with the introduction of two rookies. 

Inkster has made Austin Ernst and Angel Yin her wildcard picks for the bi–annual showcase. Explaining her choices, Inkster said: "I don't know if there's ever been so many people in the running for two captain's picks, I could have gone a lot of different ways. I went with kind of with my gut, who I thought deserved a chance to play.” 

Austin Ernst

The USA team certainly looks strong with plenty of experience. In Inkster’s view, she is not short on leaders within her team. 

"I have a great veteran core crew with Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis and Michelle Wie,” said Inkster. “They are leaders. They don't have to be rah–rah, but they just lead with their actions, getting everybody organized, getting everybody where they are supposed to be. I rely heavy on them."

Michelle Wie

With four picks to her name, Annika Sorenstam opted for a mix of experience and youth. Whilst handing Solheim Cup debuts to Madelene Sagstrom and Emily Pedersen she also included veterans in the form of Anna Nordqvist and Caroline Masson. 

Madelene Sagstrom and Emily Pedersen are not the only rookies on the European team as Georgia Hall and Florentyna Parker made the team though their LET qualification. 

Georgia Hall

The mix of experience and youth is something that excites Annika Sorenstam who later said:  “The past 18 months has been an incredible journey.  We have put in a lot of preparation and now that the team is finalised, we can focus on the event.  I am excited about our team. We have a nice mix of veterans and fresh young talent and look forward to the challenge ahead and the memories we will build together.”

The Solheim Cup teams:

Europe

Georgia Hall

Florentyna Parker

Mel Reid

Carlota Ciganda

Suzann Pettersen

Charley Hull

Karine Icher

Jodi Ewart Shadoff

Anna Nordqvist

Caroline Masson

Madelene Sagstrom

Emily Pedersen

United States:

Stacy Lewis

Gerina Piller

Cristie Kerr

Jessica Korda

Danielle Kang

Michelle Wie

Brittany Lang

Brittany Lincicome

Lizette Salas

Angel Yin

Austin Ernst

Lexi Thompson

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