Olympic medallist won’t ‘rely on pick’ to realise Solheim Cup dream

A new star of German golf has arrived.

Only five players from the western European nation have represented the continent in the Solheim Cup. But that could soon be about to change.

Esther Henseleit, a two-time winner on the Ladies European Tour, announced herself to the world when winning silver at the Paris Olympics last week – storming onto the podium with a closing 66.

The 25-year-old became the first woman from Europe to medal in golf at the modern Games and it’s an achievement that is yet to sink in.

“I’m still looking at the medal and realising what I’ve done,” she told bunkered.co.uk.

“I hope there are still some good rounds coming in my life, but it was definitely one of the best days of my golf career.”

If ever there was a time to find those, it’s now. After sealing a move into the top 50 in the Rolex World Rankings, Henseleit faces two weeks of crucial competition in Scotland.

After the Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links this week, she’ll conclude her major championship campaign in St Andrews at the AIG Women’s Open.

That’s when the qualification process for the Solheim Cup ends and Team Europe boss Suzann Pettersen names four captain’s picks.

But Henseleit insists she can’t ‘rely on a pick’ after being snubbed for the match at Finca Cortesin 12 months ago.

“I was gutted that I didn’t make it last year,” she admitted. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so it would be amazing to be on that team representing Europe.

“I didn’t qualify so I can’t say I deserved it, but I think I was close.

“Now I’m pretty close to the automatic qualifying spots, the world rankings and also on the LET rankings, so the goal for the next two weeks is to secure my spot on the team. I can’t rely on a pick.”

Should Henseleit not fill an automatic qualifying spot, it’s likely Pettersen will afford the Hamburg-born star a seat on the plane to Virginia.

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She will, however, want to put her poor Open record to bed when the final major of the season visits the iconic Fife links of the Old Course.

After four attempts at the AIG Women’s Open, Henseleit is yet to make the cut.

Meanwhile, she can count on some Junior Solheim Cup experience, should Pettersen have space in her 12-woman side at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.

And Henseleit, who would join an exclusive club of German’s to play in the match, says it would be ‘special’ to join the side looking to bag a fourth straight win.

“It’s always one of the biggest tournaments, spectator-wise, and to play in front of a lot of people is always so much fun,” Henseleit added.

“Especially match play, it brings out some more emotions and I really enjoy the format and being on a team.

“Women’s golf in Germany has been growing so much even since I got on tour, there are so many more girls out here on the LET and in the US so, hopefully, there are many more to come after me.”

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.