By: Max Bechtoldt
Madelene Sagström has been a recent Solheim Cup fixture, playing for team Europe in three of the last four playings. Her hopes on playing again in the event may be riding on her performance this weekend though.
While there is a lot of season to play, Sagström probably needs to perform well enough to qualify on world ranking points for the Solheim Cup team. Though captain Suzann Pettersen has proven herself to be loyal, if there’s one player from the 2023 Solheim Cup in danger of losing her spot, it probably is Sagström.
Other surprising choices like Caroline Hedwall and Emily Kristine Pedersen are experienced players who perform well in the event. They probably don’t need strong results on a weekly basis because they are here for event-specific reasons. Similar to why Ian Poulter continued to be chosen for the European Ryder Cup team past his prime. Sagström’s record doesn’t suggest she will get the same benefit.
Sagström is 3-5-1 in her Solheim Cup career. Considering Europe has been fairly dominant in the event as of late, that record is not particularly impressive. 2023 was her best showing, going 1-1-1, but she was still probably the weakest member of the team. It was her first time without a losing record though.
Sagström does bring a lot to a team though. Particularly her ability to hit the ball long, she is one of the most underrated ball-strikers on the LPGA Tour. In 2023, Sagström averaged more distance off the tee than Lexi Thompson, Nelly Korda and Linn Grant, all players known to be the best drivers of the golf ball on tour. Sagström is also a chemistry piece, with a large Swedish contingent on the team (Hedwall, Grant, Maja Stark, Anna Nordqvist) she can make for easy pairings.
Sagström is currently tied for the lead heading into the weekend at the Honda LPGA Thailand with Patty Tavatanakit. A win here wouldn’t quite guarantee a spot on the Solheim Cup Team, but it would be a good start. She has just one career LPGA Tour win, the 2020 Gainbridge. After one of her weaker years on the tour, this could be a big momentum opportunity.
