By: Max Bechtoldt
The eight automatic qualifiers have been locked in for the European Solheim Cup team captained by Solheim Cup legend Suzann Pettersen. Currently the team looks stronger on paper than in previous iterations for the two-time defending champions. Stamping their tickets to Spain already are:
- Celine Boutier (France)
- Maja Stark (Sweden)
- Charley Hull (England)
- Leona Maguire (Ireland)
- Georgia Hall (England)
- Linn Grant (Sweden)
- Carlota Ciganda (Spain)
- Anna Nordqvist (Sweden)
Pettersen has some tough decisions ahead for her four picks to fill out the team. A lot goes into this decision like chemistry, age, experience and of course level of play. Here are seven players I think Pettersen could pick, along with some long shot wildcards.
Madelene Sagström (Sweden)
Probably the most guaranteed non-qualifier to make the team, it would be a shock if Sagström didn’t make her third Solheim Cup appearance. With an already Sweden-heavy roster, Sagström would likely be a good pairing for the two rookie phenoms Grant and Stark. Sagström is the highest ranked player not already on the roster at No. 42 in the world and has played on four international teams in her career. She should be a relatively easy pick.
Gemma Dryburgh (Scotland)
Dryburgh finally got her breakthrough victory at age 29 in Japan last year. While Dryburgh has far from the flashiest career resume, she’s a consistent player who rarely misses cuts. The highlight of her season so far is probably her top-ten finish at The Amundi Evian Championship.
Jodi Ewart Shadoff (England)
Ewart Shadoff’s best pitch to make the team is experience. Between the Solheim Cup and International Crown she has made six career international teams, three of each. Her fourball record is impressive in the Solheim Cup, with a 2-1-1 record. She would bring another experienced name, who has been a part of past winning teams to Spain.
Albane Valenzuela (Switzerland)
Probably not a name many anticipated being in the mix for the 2023 Solheim Cup team, Valenzuela has put together a nice breakout season this year. Valenzuela thought ahead, earning her LET card before the season started, making her eligible for the team. Valenzuela has rocketed up almost 60 spots in the world ranking, thanks mostly to her fourth-place finish at the Chevron Championship. Valenzuela would bring a fresh, new and young face to this European squad.
Celine Borge (Norway)
The biggest mover on the world rankings front is Celine Borge, who started the year ranked 397, but has moved into the top 100. The LPGA rookie currently ranks No. 4 in the rookie of the year standings with four top-20 finishes including a third place finish at the Evian Championship. Borge is likely to be a mainstay of future European Solheim Cup teams and this could be a good way to get her some early experience.
Nanna Koerstz Madsen (Denmark)
Though the last couple of years haven’t been the strongest for Koerstz Madsen, it could be tempting to get as many members from the 2021 Solheim Cup team as possible. That team had such electric chemistry and pulled out the victory on road soil despite being heavy underdogs. In 2022 Koerstz Madsen won her first LPGA event and made it to a playoff in another. Both of those results were over a year ago though, so it is unlikely to really play a role in her potential selection.
Olivia Cowan (Germany)
Even just a month ago Cowan wasn’t really in contention to make this team, but a late season push has put her in the discussion. Outside of Boutier there is nobody who has played better recently from Europe than Cowan. Cowan has finished in the top ten in four of her last five events, including at the AIG Women’s Open and at the Aramco Team Series London, both against world class fields. This has propelled Cowan to No. 96 in the world, and her hot hand could be a major boost for Europe as a captain’s pick.
Wildcard Picks:
This is a group of players who on paper don’t seem to be likely selections, but for reasons including experience, past Solheim Cup performance, chemistry and youth, could be picked.
- Bronte Law
- Stephanie Meadow
- Polly Mack
- Caroline Hedwall
- Mel Reid
- Matilda Castren
- Azahara Muñoz
Those are the players I see as potential picks for the European Solheim Cup team. If I had to guess the four players it would be Sagström, Ewart Shadoff, Valenzuela and Cowan, but there are a lot of good options on the table with compelling arguments.
The European team picks will be made Tuesday, August 22, while the Americans have another week to solidify their team.
