Check out some answers to frequently asked questions about the Solheim Cup:
Is the Solheim Cup the women’s version of the Ryder Cup?
Yes. It is the USA versus Europe match, with 12 players per team. They will compete over three days in the disciplines of Fourball (Better Ball), Foursome (Alternate Shot) and Singles.
What is the Solheim Cup format?
We can take this directly from our Ryder Cup 101:
Better ball: I play my ball and you play yours. Whoever scores lower on the hole is our team score for that hole. And if we tie, that’s our score.
Alternate shots: You and I are a team. I tee off. You hit the next shot. I hit the next, and so on until we’re in the hole. We alternate tee shots, with me going first on odd holes and you hitting first on even holes. In both formats, we play match play, so the overall score is based on holes, not strokes. Matches continue until one team runs out of holes to catch up.
When we beat our opponents, it doesn’t matter if we achieved that by winning just one hole more than them (1 Up) or by knocking them out (10 and 8), it’s only one point for our team. Drawn games are worth half a point for each side.
In singles, that’s exactly what it’s about: one against one.
Now, When Do they play these formats?
On the first two days (Friday and Saturday) the two teams play four matches each in four-ball and foursome. The order is determined by the captain of the home team. On the last day (Sunday) they then play 12 singles games. A total of 28 points are up for grabs. The winner must have at least 14 ½ points. The restriction is: in the event of a 14:14 draw, the trophy remains with the defending champion.
Was there ever a draw?
Yes, last year, actually. Europe and the USA finished the match at Finca Cortesin in Spain with a score of 14:14. Since Europe was the last champion, it kept the trophy.
Why do you play the Solheim Cup in two consecutive years?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the men’s Ryder Cup has been moved from even to odd years. The Solheim Cup has been played in odd years since 2003 (more on that below). In order to get a schedule compared to the Ryder Cup, it was decided to play the Solheim Cup in 2023 and 2024 and play it in even years from now on.
Who has won the most Solheim Cups?
The United States leads the series 10-7-1, but the Europeans won in 2019 and 2021 and then defended the Cup in 1923.
When did the Solheim Cup start?
This biennial competition began in 1990. The United States won eight of the first 11 cups, but Europe has since gone 4-2-1. As mentioned, it was originally played in even-numbered years, while the Ryder Cup was played in odd-numbered years. However, after the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Ryder Cup was moved to even-numbered years (moving the matches from 2001 to 2002). The Solheim Cup was adjusted and played consecutively in 2002 and 2003, then in odd-numbered years. When the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the 2020 Ryder Cup to 2021, Solheim officials decided to move back to even-numbered years. That’s why there are matches in 2023 and 2024.
Are the Solheim Cup teams the same as in 2023?
No, the 2024 edition had a different qualification period, so players could earn points from the beginning of 2023 until August 25, 2024. However, the captains are the same, as Stacy Lewis will lead the US team and Suzann Pettersen will referee the European Championships.
Which players are on the 2024 Solheim Cup teams?
European Solheim Cup Team
Here are the biographies and records of the 12 European players in the 2024 Solheim Cup matches.
- Charley Hull, England
- Esther Henseleit, Germany
- Celine Boutier, France
- Maja Stark, Sweden
- Linn Grant, Sweden
- Leona Maguire, Ireland
- Carlota Ciganda, Spain
- Madelene Sagstrom, Sweden
- Georgia Hall, England (Captain’s selection)
- Anna Nordqvist, Sweden (Captain’s Pick)
- Emily Kristine Pedersen, Denmark (Captain’s selection)
- Albane Valenzuela, Switzerland (Captain’s selection)
US Solheim Cup Team
Here are the biographies and records of the 12 U.S. players in the 2024 Solheim Cup matches.
- Nelly Korda
- Lilia Vu
- Lauren Coughlin
- Ally Ewing
- Allisen Corpus
- Megan Khang
- Andrea Lee
- Rose Zhang
- Alison Lee
- Sarah Schmelzel (Captain’s Pick)
- Jennifer Kupcho (Captain’s Choice)
- Lexi Thompson (Captain’s Choice)
What is a Solheim?
You mean who is a Solheim. The cup is named after Karsten Solheim, who founded the golf equipment manufacturer Ping and created the concept of a women’s Ryder Cup match.
Is the Solheim Cup ONLY for Americans and Europeans?
Yes. Players from other countries – regardless of their resume and world ranking – are not eligible. There is no Presidents Cup-style competition between the Americans and the Internationals (non-European born players). However, there is the LPGA’s biennial International Crown, which includes eight four-person teams from the best qualified countries in the world.
Not every player plays every session?
That’s right. Four players from each team will be seated per session. It’s the captains’ job to figure out who’s playing, who’s playing with who, and who’s cheering on their teammates. Then when it comes to individual games, everyone has to play.
Where and when will the 2024 Solheim Cup take place?
This year’s games will take place September 13-15 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia.
How to watch the Solheim Cup 2024
Golf Channel, NBC and Peacock will broadcast the event. The television schedule is (all times ET):
Friday, September 13
- 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.: Golf Channel/Peacock
Saturday, September 14
- 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Golf Channel/Peacock
- 3pm-6pm: NBC/Peacock
Sunday, September 15
- 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Golf Channel/Peacock
- 12pm-3pm: NBC/Peacock
