Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist has backed three rookies to shine on the Solheim Cup stage after completing her selection with four captain’s picks.
England’s Mimi Rhodes, Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez and France’s Nastasia Nadaud will make event debuts at Bernadus Golf in the Netherlands in September, with the experienced Leona Maguire also selected for a fourth consecutive appearance.
Lottie Woad is a fourth debutante in the 12-strong team, with the 22-year-old earning automatic selection after an impressive start to her professional career over the last 12 months.
Germany’s Esther Henseleit secured her spot despite missing out on Women’s Open triumph in a play-off on Sunday, with Charley Hull, Carlota Ciganda and Celine Boutier all Solheim Cup stalwarts.
Swedish pair Maja Stark and Linn Grant and Nanna Koerstz Madsen (Denmark) complete the squad bidding to win back the biennial prize on 13 September.
Nordqvist has been in strong form herself but had long ruled out the prospect of featuring as a playing captain.
“Leona has proved herself at the Solheim Cup; she has a huge passion for the European team and her record speaks for itself,” the Europe captain explained of her selection. “She is a player you want on your team, especially in matchplay and I’m thrilled to pick her.
“Julia has really impressed me since turning professional. She has a great personality, and she is a great ball-striker, very passionate and will bring great energy to the European team.
“Nastasia is a great young player who has been getting better and better in the qualifying period. After getting her first win on the LET, she is having a solid rookie season on the LPGA and is deserving of a spot on the team.
“Since turning professional, Mimi has impressed me with her performances, winning three times on the LET last year and has played on the LPGA Tour. She is an experienced matchplay player and is a fierce competitor.”
Angela Stanford will captain the United States in the Netherlands, with Angel Yin and Jennifer Kupcho joining Nelly Korda as automatic qualifiers after the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
