By: Max Bechtoldt
When Lexi Thompson qualified for the 2023 Solheim Cup, many were critical of the points system. Going into the event she had missed six out of eight cuts and didn’t have a finish better than 19. Thompson proved she belonged though, having not only her best Solheim performance, but arguably the best on the United States team.
2024 has been quite different for Thompson. After announcing her retirement from full-time play, she has put herself in strong position time and time again. Thompson has four top-10s, including top-three finishes at the Meijer LPGA Classic and the Ford Championship. She still has missed five cuts, but the game has generally looked a lot better.
One real key to Thompson’s game in 2024 has been marrying her much improved putter with her classic ball-striking skill. While her putter has been steadily improving over the past few years, she hasn’t put every facet of her game together in awhile quite like this.
This will be Thompson’s seventh and likely final Solheim Cup appearance, an event that has been a bit of a mixed bag for her. Her Sunday comeback to halve with Anna Nordqvist in 2017 is still one of the most memorable recent Solheim Cup moments. Her 0-2-2 record at Gleneagles in 2019 is unfortunately also memorable. Overall she has a 9-7-7 record in the event, but generally excels in foursomes, going 5-2-1.
With the momentum of her 3-1-0 performance in 2023, combined with the motivation of this likely being her last appearance on the team, I think Thompson is in for a strong event.
