Xeeis —The highly anticipated Solheim Cup is back, and golf fans are in for a thrilling competition. Two years after a heart-wrenching 13-15 loss on home turf in Ohio, Team USA, led by captain Stacy Lewis, is gearing up to face off against Team Europe at the Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Andalucia, Spain. Europe, under captain Suzann Pettersen, is aiming for a historic three-peat. As of now, the United States holds a 10-7 lead in the 17 editions of the tournament since its inception in 1990.
Here’s how you can catch all the action:
Where to Watch:
- In the United States, Golf Channel and Peacock will provide comprehensive coverage. Tune in starting at 2 a.m. ET on Friday and Saturday, and at 5 a.m. ET on Sunday for the decisive day.
- Viewers in the United Kingdom can follow the action on Sky Sports Golf. The first two days of play will be shown from 6:30 a.m. BST, with Sunday’s coverage beginning at 9 a.m. BST.
The Tournament Format:
- The Solheim Cup features two teams of 12 players, competing over three action-packed days with a total of 28 points up for grabs.
- The event kicks off with the opening ceremony at the Marbella Arena on Thursday at 5 p.m. BST (12 p.m. ET). The action starts on Friday with morning foursomes matches teeing off at 7:10 a.m. BST (2:10 a.m. ET). Foursomes, also known as alternate shot, involve two golfers teaming up and taking alternate shots using the same ball. Each match is worth one point, with points halved in the event of a tie.
- In the afternoon, starting at 12:40 p.m. BST (7:40 a.m. ET), the four-ball games begin. In this format, each golfer plays their own ball, and the lowest score recorded by either player in the pair counts for that hole. This format is also known as four-ball better-ball (4BBB).
- The same schedule is repeated on Saturday, totaling eight foursome matches and eight four-ball matches, leading up to Sunday’s grand finale: the singles contests.
- Sunday’s singles matches begin at 10:10 a.m. BST (5:10 a.m. ET), with 12 straight shoot-out matches where each player from both teams competes for points.
- The team with the most points at the end wins the Solheim Cup. In case of a tie, the defending team (in this case, Europe) retains the trophy. It’s worth noting that there has never been a tie in the 33-year history of the Solheim Cup.
Team Europe: Aiming for a Three-Peat
- Captain: Suzann Pettersen
- Non-playing vice-captains: Laura Davies, Caroline Martens
- Automatic selections: Céline Boutier, Maja Stark, Charley Hull, Leona Maguire, Georgia Hall, Linn Grant, Carlota Ciganda, Anna Nordqvist (playing vice-captain)
- Captain’s picks: Madelene Sagström, Gemma Dryburgh, Emily Kristine Pedersen, Caroline Hedwall
Team Europe, playing on home soil, is eager to secure a historic third consecutive victory. Captain Suzann Pettersen, a Solheim Cup veteran, has earned the respect of her players with her competitive spirit and open communication.
Notable players include Céline Boutier, a 2023 major winner, and Charley Hull, a Solheim Cup veteran with a strong track record. Despite the pressure, the team is focused on giving their best.
Team USA: Seeking Revenge
- Captain: Stacy Lewis
- Non-playing vice-captains: Morgan Pressel, Natalie Gulbis, Angela Stanford
- Automatic selections: Lilia Vu, Nelly Korda, Allisen Corpuz, Megan Khang, Jennifer Kupcho, Danielle Kang, Andrea Lee, Lexi Thompson, Rose Zhang
- Captain’s picks: Ally Ewing, Angel Yin
Captain Stacy Lewis is determined to end Team USA’s losing streak. The team boasts a star-studded lineup, with players like Lilia Vu, a two-time major winner, and Lexi Thompson, making her sixth Solheim Cup appearance.
While half the team is making their senior Solheim Cup debut, the players are confident in their abilities, and the team’s strength lies in its mix of rookies and veterans.
The 2023 Solheim Cup promises thrilling golf action and intense competition as these two powerhouse teams battle it out on the stunning course in Andalucia, Spain. Don’t miss a moment of this golfing spectacle!