By: Max Bechtoldt
After five tournaments on both the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour, there have been some unexpected names who have emerged as potential Solheim Cup players for each team.
First and foremost Alexandra Försterling of Germany, who quietly just won her third LET event in the last seven months. With the win against a stacked field in Tampa, the 24-year-old jumped into second place in the Solheim Cup standings. Försterling is an alum of Arizona State, where likely teammates Anna Nordqvist, Carlota Ciganda and Linn Grant attended.
On the LPGA Tour, Sarah Schmelzel has put herself firmly in contention to make the United States squad. Schmelzel is up to No. 11 in the Solheim Cup Standings and No. 9 in the CME Standings. Finishing in second and eighth in her last two events, if she can be this consistent moving forward, she will be a very attractive option for captain Stacy Lewis.
Bailey Tardy just won her first event of her LPGA career, moving her all the way to No. 7 in the CME Standings. While she will need more consistency to get within the top nine, she is at No. 14 now and in much better shape to make a surprise appearance than many would have thought.
With some uncertainty with injuries and declining play of the usual stars, especially for the United States, there seemingly is spots available for some newcomers.
