Nine players secure place in US Solheim Cup team

The US Solheim Cup team is almost complete.

Nine of the 12-player American squad is set as Team USA looks to win back the cup on home soil next month.

Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu, world No.1 and 2, both passed up chances to win the AIG Women’s Open on Sunday but were already assured of their place in Stacy Lewis’ team.

The pair could have followed in their captain’s footsteps by winning the title at the Old Course, although they were left to rue back nine mistakes.

Korda, a six-time winner on the LPGA Tour this season, leads the US Solheim Cup points standings, while Vu ranked second.

Despite playing in three matches, the major champions are yet to win the Solheim Cup.

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The third spot from the rankings was clinched by 31-year-old Lauren Coughlin, who will make her Solheim Cup debut at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.

Coughlin has enjoyed the season of her life, claiming two LPGA titles – including the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald.

Meanwhile, Ally Ewing, Allisen Corpuz, Megan Khang and Andrea Lee completed the list of seven players to secure spots via the rankings.

Rounding out the nine automatic qualifiers is Rose Zhang and Alison Lee – who will wear red, white and blue as the two highest highest Americans in the Rolex Rankings not already exempt.

“I’m just excited to have the team finalised,” Lewis said. “Much of this crew is repeating from 2023, so a lot of them have experience.

“We had five that were qualified coming into the week, and I’m happy to have Megan and Andrea back again. They were big parts of last year’s success.”

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Europe retained the Cup last September, although the match finished all square at 14-14. Khang, however, was responsible for winning the most points for the US.

The 26-year-old’s 3.5 points lead the way, while Andrea Lee won 1.5 points.

Her namesake Alison also makes a Solheim return after last competing in the event in 2015.

“I’m really happy for Alison Lee to be back at the Solheim Cup, with the largest gap between two Solheim Cups,” said Lewis.

“It’s been nine years since her last one and I’m excited for her to have a second go at it, to have a great experience and to do it at home as well.”

Lewis will complete her team tomorrow by announcing her three captain’s picks at 2pm (BST).

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.