Suzann Pettersen knows how tough it will be for Europe to retain the Solheim Cup for the fourth time in a row, but she’s up for the challenge.
The European Solheim Cup captain announced her team live on Sky Sports following the conclusion of the 2024 AIG Women’s Open.
There are two changes from the team who created those joyous scenes in Spain in 2023 with rookies Esther Henseleit and Albane Valenzuela coming into the fray.
But Pettersen knows her side has the belief to try and create history when they go up against the U.S. Team at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club from September 13-15.
“We can’t wait to try and create history once again,” said the captain. “We’re going for a four-peat, we know we’re up against a tough team, but we know we can do it.
“The girls believe they can do it. We can’t wait and bring it on. We can have as many European fans alongside as well.
“The team is set, there’s still some work to do for us to see the line-up and potential possibilities of pairings, different scenarios and all kind of scenarios as we learned last year.
“It’s a long week, I’m going to try and keep it quite sharp and precise for them all week, so they don’t run out of gas before we start. This is a dream come true for all of them and for me as well.”
Pettersen has largely kept the same backroom staff with Caroline Martens, Dame Laura Davies and Anna Nordqvist all Vice-Captains once again.
However, she has added England’s Mel Reid – who made four appearances for Team Europe – as a Vice-Captain too.
Captain Pettersen spoke about what the English star brings to the back room after announcing her captain’s picks.
She continued: “Mel has already brought a lot over the last week. It was a no-brainer to bring Mel in, she has the time now. I’ve been a part of a lot of teams with Mel, she’s one-of-a-kind.
“She was a missing link last year I have to say, but I’m so happy that she’s back. What she brings is unique, she’s a character but she also gets these girls fired up.”
But what does Pettersen make of the opposition? The U.S. Team was announced one day after the European side.
The U.S. team will also have two rookies with two-time LPGA winner Lauren Coughlin and Sarah Schmelzel both included.
Pettersen added: “Lauren Coughlin is probably their new in-form player, two wins over the last month. You have a couple of young ones in there. These players have all performed at massive events, majors, everything.”
Fans can see full 2024 Solheim Cup ticket details at www.solheimcupusa.com/tickets. Various daily and weekly ticket and hospitality packages are available so fans can enjoy every moment of the action at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
Follow all the action throughout the season on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram, TikTok and X, and Ladies European Tour on YouTube and Facebook – #RaiseOurGame #TeamEurope.
