Suzann Pettersen surprised many by omitting Leona Maguire in the opening foursomes session of the Solheim Cup, choosing Charley Hull to lead Europe at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. Pettersen defended Hull’s smoking habit and paired her with Esther Henseleit, citing their good friendship. Although Maguire has a strong Solheim record, her individual performances in 2024 led to her exclusion.
The US team, led by captain Stacy Lewis, aims to break their poor Solheim run, with only two members having experienced victory. Lewis expressed confidence in her team’s abilities and emphasized the importance of experience in the event.
Despite a minor scare with hip treatment, Hull downplayed concerns and emphasized her individuality and authenticity in living her life. The US captain placed faith in world No 1, Kelly Korda, to lead the team and emphasized the comfort and success of her pairings.
The opening foursomes session also features matches between Europe’s Céline Boutier and Albane Valenzuela against Rose Zhang and Lauren Coughlin, Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho against Emily Pedersen and Maja Stark, and Linn Grant and Carlota Ciganda against Lilia Vu and Sarah Schmelzel. Both teams are gearing up for a highly competitive and exciting Solheim Cup competition.
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