By: Max Bechtoldt
Just about six weeks ago, Esther Henseleit was far from a guarantee to make the European Solheim Cup team. Sure, she was absolutely in the discussion, but in the past month Henseleit has really solidified herself as one of the best European golfers in the world.
Though she didn’t get a win in August, the month was still pretty magical for her. Outside of Lydia Ko and Lauren Coughlin, you could argue nobody in the world is playing better than the 25-year-old German.
At the Olympic games, Henseleit won the silver medal, finishing behind only Ko. It was a masterful comeback for the win as well, saving her best for the final round. In her next start, at the Scottish Open, she once again finished in second. This essentially clinched her spot on the team without even needing a captain’s selection. The good play was trending throughout a lot of the year though, as she finished in the top-10 of two majors, the Chevron Championship and the Evian Championship.
Though her putting sometimes holds her back, Henseleit is a smart player and phenomenal ball-striker. She ranks top-20 on the LPGA in birdie or better percentage and is one of the longer hitters in the world.
Henseleit will be one of the four Solheim Cup rookies taking part in this edition of the event, but her lack of experience isn’t really phasing. She has a strong, veteran team around her that I think could lead to her having a great first outing.
