What is the Solheim Cup?
The Solheim Cup just like the Ryder Cup is typically played every other year. It brings the best women’s players in the USA versus the best women’s players in Europe. The Solheim Cup was first played in 1990 at Lake Nona Golf Club in Florida. Team USA won that first match handily and holds an overall all-time winning record of 10-7 over Team Europe. The cup itself is named after legendary golf club manufacturer Karsten Solheim who was the founder of Ping golf. He wanted to launch a Ryder Cup style match for women.
Where and when is the Solheim Cup being played?
The 2023 Solheim Cup takes Team USA on the road. The matches will be played in Andalusia Spain at the Finca Cortesin Golf Club giving Team Europe a home course and fan advantage. Matches are being played over the three days of September 22nd to the 24th.
Who’s playing in the 2023 Solheim Cup and who’s the favorite?
Team USA is led by Lilia Vu and Nelly Korda who are ranked numbers one and two in the world. Team veteran Danielle Kang qualified on points. Lexi Thompson and rookie Rose Zhang qualified on behalf of the world rankings. Captain Stacy Lewis picks were Ally Ewing, Cheyenne Knight and Angel Yin.
Team Europe is captained by Suzann Pettersen. The team has the number four ranked player in the world, Celine Boutier of France. Other automatic qualifiers included Carlota Ciganda (Esp), Linn Grant (Swe), Georgia Hall (Eng), Charley Hull (Eng), Leona Maguire (Irl), Anna Nordqvist (Swe). Captain Pettersen’s captain’s picks were Gemma Dryburgh (Sco), Caroline Hedwall (Ger), Emily Pedersen (Den), Madelene Sagstrom (Swe).
With Team USA on the road, it should be quite a tussle for the 2023 Solheim Cup. The Golf Channel will showcase all three days of the competition and Peacock will simulstream. The television schedule is:
- Friday, 2AM-1PM
- Saturday, 2AM-1PM
- Sunday, 5-11AM