The 17th edition of the Solheim Cup, one of the most prestigious events in golf, gets underway this week as Team USA and Team Europe prepare to do battle over three days of incredible action in Ohio.
Defending champions Team Europe won their first Solheim Cup since 2013 last time out by a single point, but the Americans, who have dominated this competition since its inception in 1990 with ten wins to six, will be determined to make sure the trophy returns Stateside. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of a blockbuster week in golf.
Where?
The 2021 Solheim Cup will be played at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, which has held four US Opens and two PGA Championships.
When?
Solheim Cup week officially begins on Tuesday August 31st and comes to a close on Monday September 6th. The opening ceremony takes place on Friday, with the actual competition starting proper on Saturday 4th September.
How to watch?
All the action from the Solheim Cup will be shown exclusively live on Sky Sports Golf from September 4-6, with a total of 30 hours of live coverage across the tournament.
Who are the captains?
Team Europe: Catriona Matthew
2019 Solheim Cup-winning captain Catriona Matthew returns to hopefully lead Team Europe to back-to-back wins in the tournament for the time since 2011/2013. The Scot, 52, has featured nine times in the Solheim Cup as a player, winning three.
Team USA: Pat Hurst
Four-time Solheim Cup winner Pat Hurst will take charge of Team USA’s battle to win back the title. Hurst, 52, previously served as assistant to the outgoing captain Juli Inkster; winning in 2015 and 2017, before the defeat in 2019.
Who are on the teams?
Similar to the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup teams are made up of 12 players. Team Europe’s selection is made up of two players from the Ladies European Tour points list, four from the world rankings and six captain’s selections.
Team USA on the other hand, is comprised of the top seven players on the LPGA Solheim Cup points list, the next two highest-ranked eligible players in the world golf rankings and three captain’s picks.
Team Europe
Emily Kristine Pedersen (DEN)
Georgia Hall (ENG)
Anna Nordqvist (SWE)
Sophia Popov (GER)
Charley Hull (ENG)
Carlota Ciganda (ESP)
Team Europe Captain’s Picks
Leona Maguire (IRE)
Madelene Sagstrom (SWE)
Matilda Castren (FIN)
Nanna Koerstz Madsen (DEN)
Mel Reid (ENG)
Celine Boutier (FRA)
Team USA
Nelly Korda
Danielle Kang
Ally Ewing
Austin Ernst
Lexi Thompson
Jessica Korda
Megan Kang
Lizette Salas
Jennifer Kupcho
Team USA Captain’s Picks
Brittany Altomare
Mina Harigae
Yealimi Noh
Solheim Cup outright odds (via Betfred)
- Team Europe: 2/1
- Team USA: 1/2
- Tie: 10/1
