Europe Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist has selected Leona Maguire, Mimi Rhodes, Julia Lopez Ramirez, and Nastasia Nadaud as her wildcard picks to face the United States in the Netherlands next month, according to official team announcements. The selections round out a squad aiming to recapture the trophy following a defeat in Virginia two years ago, with the matches scheduled to begin on September 11 at Bernardus, the first Dutch venue to host the event, as reported by tournament organizers.
Captain Anna Nordqvist Balances Experience with Three Rookies
Nordqvist relied on a mix of seasoned matchplay veterans and emerging talent to complete her roster, adding three rookies alongside the experienced Irishwoman. According to Nordqvist, Maguire earned her selection despite missing four cuts in her last six tournaments and falling to 79th in the world rankings. “Leona has proved herself at the Solheim Cup,” Nordqvist said, noting that the player’s past performance makes her a vital asset in matchplay. In her debut five years ago, Maguire secured four and a half points out of five, holding an overall record of eight wins, one half, and three defeats across 12 matches.
Did you know? Bernardus in the Netherlands will host the Solheim Cup for the first time in the tournament’s history, with play starting on September 11.
Mimi Rhodes and European Tour Standouts Earn Debut Spots
English golfer Mimi Rhodes secured one of the wildcard berths after starring for Great Britain and Ireland in their 2024 Curtis Cup victory at Sunningdale before turning professional, according to team records. Ranked 92nd in the world, the 24-year-old has already claimed three victories on the Ladies European Tour (LET). Nordqvist praised the young Englishwoman as a fierce competitor with valuable LET and LPGA Tour experience. Rhodes joins fellow rookies Julia Lopez Ramirez of Spain and France’s Nastasia Nadaud to bring the total number of tournament debutants to four, alongside automatic qualifier Lottie Woad of Farnham.
Complete European Solheim Cup Lineup
The wildcard selections join an automatic qualifying core determined by the LET Solheim Cup points list and world rankings. According to team announcements, the automatic qualifiers consist of England’s Charley Hull, Women’s Open runner-up Esther Henseleit, Swedish duo Maja Stark and Linn Grant, France’s Celine Boutier, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, and Nanna Koerstz Madsen of Denmark. American captain Angela Stanford is set to announce the United States team on August 24.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Solheim Cup taking place?
The tournament begins on September 11 at Bernardus, marking the first time the event is held in the Netherlands.
Who are the European wildcard picks?
Captain Anna Nordqvist selected Leona Maguire, Mimi Rhodes, Julia Lopez Ramirez, and Nastasia Nadaud.
How many rookies are on the European team?
Europe will feature four debutants: wildcard picks Mimi Rhodes, Julia Lopez Ramirez, and Nastasia Nadaud, alongside automatic qualifier Lottie Woad.
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