Solheim Cup: Suzann Pettersen excited by player options for Team Europe with another year to go | Golf News

Europe captain Suzann Pettersen attended the “One Year to Go” celebration ahead of the 2023 Solheim Cup, the tournament to be held in Spain for the first time; Europe looking for a third straight win over Team USA

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One year to go until the 2023 Solheim Cup in Finca Cortesin, Spain – Trish Johnson and Henni Koyack predict who could feature for Team Europe next September

Suzann Pettersen has praised the depth of players at her disposal for next year’s Solheim Cup and has supported a wave of Europe’s rising stars to impress in Spain next September.

The top two players in the Ladies European Tour Solheim Cup scoring list will automatically qualify for Team Europe, along with the top six players from the Rolex Women’s World Rankings, with four The last player is named through the captain’s choice.

Swedish duo Maja Stark and Linn Grant have dominated the Ladies European Tour this season, each winning four times to bolster their chances of making a Solheim Cup debut in Pettersen’s shirt, while several teams win in 2021. impressed on the LPGA Tour this season.

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A look back at the best action from the thrilling final day at the 2021 Solheim Cup, where Team Europe went on to win back-to-back against Team America

Nanna Koerstz Madsen registered her breakout title in March at the Honda LPGA Thailand, a month after Leona Maguire won the LPGA Drive On Championship, while Celine Boutier, Georgia Hall and Charley Hull all competed. events in recent months.

The European team will be chasing a third consecutive Solheim Cup victory for the first time in the tournament’s history as they host the biennial event at Finca Cortesin in Spain from September 22-24, 2023. , with Pettersen expecting a lot of young talent in his squad .

Speaking at a special event in Puerto Banus to mark one year going to the Solheim Cup, Pettersen said Sports sky: “I’m super excited to see new young talent about to emerge in the Ladies’ European Championship.

“I feel like every week there are new names, new rookies and rookies that continue to deliver great results and are rivals.

“Just look at the Swedes [Maja Stark and Linn Grant], they almost played their best with the team. Not only passed the European rankings, but they also almost passed the world rankings because of their great results.

“One of them [Stark] currently playing the LPGA Tour and will start earning more world ranking points in the future, so I’m really embracing it [new wave of young talent] and I’m all for giving young people a chance – they are the future.

Suzann Pettersen attended a series of events as part of the “One Year To Go” celebration for the 2023 Solheim Cup

“I obviously also hope to have some experienced players on the team, but these young people are resilient and fearless. They’re willing to go out and fight hard, which is great and that’s it. The mentality we want.”

Pettersen signed off on his lengthy Solheim Cup playing career by claiming victory points in the dramatic 2019 competition at Gleneagles, the last of nine appearances for Team Europe, with a win also being her last event before retiring from this sports career.

The Norwegian has also served as vice-captain twice, in 2017 when she retired due to a late injury and in 2021 as part of Catriona Matthew’s backroom staff.

“When I’m not playing, I’m calmer and a lot more relaxed,” added Pettersen. “I’ve been a lot more stressed as a player and I can see when you’re more relaxed and approachable, how well that goes with the players.

“I will definitely try to infuse the adrenaline and energy that the Solheim Cup has given me. All I can do is try to create conditions for them to play their best.

“I think the Solheim Cup has always brought out the best in everyone and everyone seems to elevate their games. I can only speak for the Europeans, but we all play hard and that’s it. really shows.

“That’s all I can ask of the players, give your best and really play to their hearts. If you do, you’ll make the most of what you’ve got.”