The 15th edition will see the top 50 players in the Race to Dubai Rankings compete at the fifth and final Rolex Series event of the 2023 DP World Tour season.

The Earth Course will once again test the DP World Tour’s finest as we determine who will walk away with the trophy and the winner’s cheque at the $10 million showdown, and also find out who will claim the season-long Race to Dubai crown. 

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Mates, teammates and roommates will have to put the pals’ act to one side after Team Europe’s Ryder Cup heroics in Rome, as this one will be every man for himself. 

We will have at least 10 of Team Europe’s stars on show. Defending DP World Tour Champ Jon Rahm and Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy will be back in town for the season finale, while Ryder Cup teammates Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Nicolai Højgaard, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, Sepp Straka and Tommy Fleetwood will all enter the event on a high after they all helped Europe defeat Team USA at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club last month to reclaim the Ryder Cup.

The only absentee is rookie and nailed-on future superstar Ludvig Aberg, who only turned professional a few months ago and therefore does not have enough points to make the top-50 field. The last Team Europe member, veteran Justin Rose, has some work to do in Qatar and South Africa if he is to get into the last event of the DP World Tour season. 

McIlroy is looking to join Rahm as the only player to win the DP World Tour Championship three times — the Spaniard is the defending champion and also won in 2017 and 2019, while McIlroy claimed the title in 2012 and 2015 — and the Northern Irishman is the defending Race to Dubai champ. 

“Playing at the DP World Tour Championship is always an amazing experience,” McIlroy said. “Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a lot of success in Dubai and at this event in particular. The fans have been great, it’s amazing to have that support out there for us. When you have the top 50 golfers from the DP World Tour, you know it is going to be a fantastic competition. I’ve won here on a couple of occasions, and I would love to be right there come Sunday with both trophies to my name.”

Luke Walker/Getty Images

Rahm added: “It’s no surprise I love coming back to Dubai and to this golf course for the DP World Tour Championship. To win here three times, it means a lot to me, and it’s always an honour to defend any title you have put your name to.

“It’s going to be fantastic week. The vibe in Dubai is great, the field is world-class, and the fans get behind the players, so I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully, I can give them something to cheer about come Sunday afternoon.”

Tom Phillips, Head of the Middle East for DP World Tour is anticipating a great event. “The 15th edition of the DP World Tour Championship marks a remarkable journey of growth, from its inception to becoming one of the key tournaments in our global calendar. 

“The vibrant atmosphere created by passionate fans in Dubai is a testament to the unwavering excitement that surrounds this event, making it a true celebration of golf, as well as being an entertaining day out for all spectators.

“Following Team Europe’s thrilling Ryder Cup victory in Rome, I am delighted Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Nicolai Højgaard, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, Sepp Straka and, of course, Tommy Fleetwood who joins us here, are confirmed for our season-ending tournament. We also have their Ryder Cup teammates Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm — our defending champion — already announced, so we cannot wait to see these world-class golfers all in action.”

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Fleetwood, who secured the Ryder Cup for Europe when he was guaranteed at least a half-point in his match against Rickie Fowler, added: “Dubai has a special place in my heart, both as my home away from England and the home to one of my academies.

“I’ve played a number of tournaments here at Jumeirah Golf Estates and I look forward to the 15th edition of the DP World Tour Championship in November. The fans have been unbelievable over the years and it has been amazing to witness it grow over time with all the activities available for kids and families, plus some pretty decent golfers.

“It’s an exciting tournament and I can’t wait to have some of my Ryder Cup teammates here as well, it is going to be another special week.”

The tournament will not only showcase the cream of the DP World Tour but also highlight the event’s commitment to a greener, more eco-conscious future. Building on foundations from previous years, this year’s Earth Lounge on the 16th hole will be fully powered by solar panels and hydrogen generators, resulting in a 100 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions, while Averda, the event’s official waste management company, will recycle 75 per cent of tournament waste.

DP World Tour Championship’s commitment extends beyond the course, with the continuation of the G4D Tour, further reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusivity. The G4D Tour Series Finale will be hosted on November 17, showcasing the leading gross-ranked players from the World Ranking for Golfers with a Disability.

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Daniel Van Otterdijk, Chief Communications Officer of Group Communications at DP World, said: “The 2023 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai is just around the corner, and it’s set to be an exhilarating season finale. This event marks our second year as the Title Partner of the DP World Tour, and what a fantastic two years it’s been.

“We’re excited to welcome the world’s best golfers back to Dubai for what promises to be an incredible conclusion to the season. The tournament holds special significance for DP World, and it’s also a standout on Dubai’s sporting and social calendar. It’s an event that caters to the entire family and gets better year on year. We can’t wait to see everyone at Jumeirah Golf Estates in just a month’s time.”

Main image: Jumeirah Golf Estates

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It also gives appreciation to things that are orderly and effective, like, say, the European team, who have won seven of the last 10 and nine of the last 13 Ryder Cups. This year is expected to be no different, with the Europeans favourites to come out on top at Marco Simone. As we attempted to make our way to the course on Wednesday, we jotted down seven reasons why Europe will win the 2023 Ryder Cup.

RAHM

Jon Rahm is dependable, unlike shuttle drivers, who according to a very polite liaison at the hotel, had gone radio silent and apparently took the rest of the day off. The likely PGA Tour Player of the Year, Rahm was the leading Euro points-getter at the last Ryder Cup, a byproduct of his partnership with Sergio Garcia and the fact he was a tour de force that week at Whistling Straits. This course speaks even more to his skill-set — Marco Simone demands power and creativity around the green, sure, but also a need to be plodding. Rahm’s game is so consistent and total it can be misconstrued as boring. But this week, plodding will be good. Don’t be surprised if he repeats as the team’s top scorer.

HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE

A general view of the 18th green at Marco Simone. Mike Ehrmann

There’s clearly something to be said about knowing one’s surroundings, unlike our group of writers, who were able to find an Uber to the golf course but were then dropped off in a field that was definitely not the golf course. The Ryder Cup home team has won seven of the last eight matches and 10 of the past 12. Those matches haven’t been particularly close, with the home team winning by an average margin of five points. The lone aberration from this 19-year-stretch, the 2012 Ryder Cup, required an all-time European comeback — or US meltdown, depending on one’s perspective — to be the exception to the rule. The result has only become more exaggerated since the Miracle at Medinah, each of the last four matches constituting as blowouts with the home team winning by an average margin of seven points. The biggest reason for this phenomenon has to do with the control the home team has on the course set-up. Each side will cater to their strengths — or the others’ weaknesses — in ways that can be described as gamesmanship (although in other ways that can come off as contrived). We detailed the phenomenon in greater depth here.

HISTORY

It’s been said a thousand times already so let us be the 1,001st: The United States have not won on the road in 30 years. (Speaking of roads, one traffic marshal just yelled at us for walking in the middle of a dirt road after another told us that was the path we needed to follow.) Not to say it can’t be done, or that the streak will continue in perpetuity. But the assignment facing the Americans will be formidable.

HATTON

Tyrrell Hatton. Richard Heathcote

Hatton does not have the best track record at big-time events, and that includes the Ryder Cup (2-4-1 record). Conversely, the Englishman is also playing the best golf of his career, ranking seventh on the PGA Tour in strokes gained, 12th in SG/tee-to-green and seventh in SG/putting. He also provided this gem during Wednesday’s press conference, which we missed, because the gate we eventually found is a gate that is on the other side of where we were supposed to be:
Q: Do you know any Spanish swear words?
TYRRELL HATTON: I think I’d do a pretty poor — I’d give it a pretty poor attempt. I wouldn’t want to embarrass myself or to, yeah, just upset Jon [Rahm], I guess, in front of him. I think I would probably win in a swear-off. I’ve got everyone covered when it comes to that (laughter).
Q: An extensive repertoire?
TYRRELL HATTON: Yeah. Just any time of day, anywhere.
Q: No holding back?
TYRRELL HATTON: No holding back.
Q: Any circumstance?
TYRRELL HATTON: Doesn’t matter what we’re doing. I’m swearing. [Expletive] off (room erupts in roaring laughter).
That is a cat comfortable in his own skin, and not one to be, erm, trifled with.

NEW BLOOD

Experience matters at the Ryder Cup, but golf over the past decade has transformed into a young man’s game. Europe had four players 40 and older in their record-setting defeat at Whistling Straits and just five players 30 and younger. This year’s team has nine players 32 and younger, with 34-year-old Rory McIlroy the third-oldest player on the team. And the dramatic topography of the property will require peak athleticism and thus favour younger, more fit individuals. We know this because we just had to traverse quite a bit of the terrain this morning when we finally arrived at the course, only to discover our media badges no longer worked at the gate, sending us 500 yards in the other direction to beg for new passes.

DEPTH

Few doubted the frontline firepower at Europe’s disposal, but in the months leading up to the event the roster’s backend was projected to be weak, similar to the internet signal in the Marco Simone box office, which is having the darnedest time pulling up our credential information. But the team here in Europe is certainly not short on depth. Among the captain’s picks are fledgling superstars in Ludvig Aberg and Nicolai Hojgaard, veterans Justin Rose and Shane Lowry, and 30-year-old Sepp Straka, who’s enjoyed a bit of a breakthrough on the PGA Tour the past two years. The Americans’ bench might be stronger, but the differences are nowhere near as dramatic as expected.

RORY

The emotional fulcrum of the sport, of his team, of this event. He’s had a rough go as of late at the Ryder Cup, losing seven of his last 10 matches dating back to the singles match at Hazeltine National in 2016. But the McIlroy that comes into Rome is arguably the most actualised version of McIlroy we’ve seen as a player (a whopping 2.60 strokes-gained total over the last six months, second only to Scottie Scheffler) and person (gestures wildly to the past two years of golf). Rahm may be the better Ryder Cup player, yet for Europe to win it will need McIlroy to deliver. And much like the angel sent from heaven who finally got us a working media pass and on to the course, McIlroy will rise to the challenge.

Main image: Richard Heathcote

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As a Solheim Cup player, Suzann Pettersen brought her own distinctive level of drive and intensity to the nine European teams she was a part of.

The Norwegian remains the only player from either side in the biennial contest to unwittingly utter a four-letter curse word live on national television, a feat she pulled off as a rookie at Interlachen in 2002 after defeating Michele Redman.

In 2015 at St Leon Rot in Germany, Pettersen’s claiming of the hole when Alison Lee raked back her ball after missing a short putt caused a huge transatlantic storm.

And it will be a long time before another golfer, professional or amateur, man or woman, climaxes a career by holing the winning putt in one of the highest-profile events in the sport. Which is exactly what Pettersen did when she made a six-footer on the 18th green at Gleneagles to keep the Solheim Cup in Europe.

Now, however, the 42-year-old mother-of-two is the European team’s captain, a role she will repeat at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, next year. Seven months ago, at the official announcement of her new position, Pettersen was clear as to how she would handle all that would come her way. It was clear even then how much thought she had already put into every facet of the job.

“My most important key is to kind of facilitate for the players, the surroundings of the team, make sure the energy is there,” she said. “My competitive side has changed a little bit through becoming a mother and then stepping away from a competitive life. That feistiness and determination I had inside the ropes is probably still there, but it doesn’t come out as often as it used to.

“I really admire how Beany [Catriona Matthew] captained the last two Solheim,” she continued. “Obviously I’ve seen other great captains, but Beany showed how just being herself in all aspects made it so easy for the players to feel comfortable. So I’m going to be a more relaxed Suzann that you’ve probably seen.”

How well Pettersen has achieved those aims remains to be seen once hostilities begin for real on Friday. But for now at least, she seems to be handling everything well enough. Certainly, her players seem to be happy with her so far.

“She is the perfect captain,” says Linn Grant. “She is very, honest, open and straightforward. She tells you what she wants you to know. She is great fun too. We’ve had lots of laughs this week. She is the perfect mix of what a good captain should be. She has the ability to make even the most serious situation as light as it can be. Whether it is the first tee or the 18th green, she knows how to manage it all. We’ve heard a few jokes, too. She has a contagious laugh that sticks with you.”

David Cannon/Getty Images

There has also been lots of music. An eclectic mix, according to Gemma Dryburgh.

“We’ve had non-stop music blaring,” says the Scot. “All sorts of stuff. Norwegian. Swedish. Regular pop stuff. Some oldies. A real mix. I don’t mind a bit or karaoke if I’ve had a few bevvies. My specialty is ‘Wannabe’ by the Spice Girls. Whatever, I feel like she has done a great job of pumping us up.

“Suzann is always telling us how proud she is to be our captain,” continues Dryburgh, who is making her Solheim debut this week. “It means a lot to hear that sort of thing. If I am typical, I know she has us all ready to play hard for her. On the other hand, she knows how to keep us calm too. I know she’ll be a great help on the first tee when it will be important to keep the adrenaline in check. This week can all a bit overwhelming at times and Suzann knows that.”

Caroline Hedwall is another impressed with her old teammate. Especially in the vital area of communication, Pettersen has apparently excelled. Every player is pleased to know exactly what is happening when it comes to, for example, Friday’s pairings.

“Her plan is clearly to be transparent within the team,” says Hedwall. “I love that. It’s good to know what is going on. In the past that has sometimes been different, depending on the captain. I like her style. She is very passionate and that’s what she brings to the team room. So I’m not surprised she is really good, but I am surprised she is even better than I thought she might be.

“We all know what is going on,” continued the Swede, who this week will make her fifth appearance in Europe’s colours. “We know who is playing with whom. In the past I’ve been playing in the morning without knowing if I’m going out there again in the afternoon. Knowing what is happening allows me to prepare in the best way. That’s clearly what Suzann thought as a player and she has brought that to her captaincy.”

?????@TheSolheimCup weeks hit different ?#SolheimCup | #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/aiMrVs6i72

— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) September 18, 2023

Still, perhaps the member of the European squad best qualified to comment on Pettersen’s strengths and weaknesses is one of her four assistants, Laura Davies. Teammates on five Solheim teams between 2002 and 2009, the pair are great friends, which gave Davies the freedom to offer the most realistic assessment of the European captain’s style.

“She’s a lot calmer than I thought she was going to be,” said Davies with a smile. “I’ll be honest with you. I’ve played alongside her, with her, and against her in normal tournaments, and she’s always been the same. She’s just friendly, a little bit fearsome now and again, but brings everyone together. I think all the young players in the team respect Suzann so much because of what she’s done. But when they saw this lovely person greeting them and bringing them into the team room, I think they were surprised, number one. But number two, they are very, very pleased to be a part of her team and know how valued they are by her. As she said, without doubt, this is the strongest European Solheim Cup team we’ve ever had.”

The last word, however, must go to Pettersen herself. Characteristically clear on how highly she rates the squad at her disposal, she calls the side, “the best ever European team on paper”. And she confirmed Hedwall’s assessment of her approach to the job.

“I kind of take a little bit from everything, but I think what I’ve kind of emphasised the most is transparency,” said Pettersen. “I want the players to be part of the decisions that we make. The more we can do it as a team, the stronger we stand together. That’s always what I appreciated the most as a player.”

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He couldn’t, could he? 

Ludvig Aberg may be on the brink of another little bit of history in his fledgling professional career as a golfer as he continues to flirt with a spot on Luke Donald’s European Ryder Cup team.

The 23-year-old only turned pro in June this year after a stellar collegiate stint that saw him win the Ben Hogan Award back-to-back for the Texas Tech Red Raiders in 2022 and 2023 before posting two top-five finishes on the DP World and PGA Tours in five starts. He currently sits T-3 in the clubhouse at the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club after a first-round 64 in the Swiss mountains on Thursday

With the US team now locked in place — with Justin Thomas’ inclusion raising a few eyebrows —  the attention now turns to Team Europe and Donald’s captain picks next week. For Donald to opt for such a wet-behind-the-ears pup like Aberg could be hailed as bold and inspired, or foolhardy and desperate, depending on how things go at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club at the end of September.

Birdie
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Ludvig Aberg leads the way early on day one ? #OEM2023 pic.twitter.com/Hv2r8vd4KK

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) August 31, 2023

The big question is: Does Donald take the risk on the youngster, or opt for the tried-and-tested rank-and-file formula of those in the season-long standings below the six automatic qualifiers?

One man who is happy to be in such discussions is Aberg himself. 

“Obviously all those (Ryder Cup) conversations are very flattering,” he said in Switzerland, where he is playing alongside Team Europe vice-captains Edoardo Molinari and Nicolas Colsaerts over the opening two rounds.

“I wouldn’t expect myself to be in that position this early on, to be honest. But all I can do is try to prepare for every tournament the best I can.

“Once I’m on the golf course, I just try to have fun and hit as few shots as I can. Then it’s up to up to the captain and the vic-captains and see what they want to do.

“It would mean the world. As a young person growing up in Europe, I watched the Ryder Cup for so many years. It’s a dream come true if you were to be picked for it once in your career. So I would love it, but it’s not up to me.

“I got to play with (Luke Donald) in Detroit a couple of months ago. That was the one time that we’ve kind of gotten to know each other a little bit better.”

Ahead of his appearance in the Czech Republic last week, Aberg spoke about having lofty ambitions and he is pleased with how he has coped since leaving the amateur ranks in June.

“It’s (the transition from amateur to pro) been something that I’ve been wanting to do for such a long time, and now that I’ve taken that step, I have to pinch myself in the arm every now and then to realise how fortunate I am,” he said. “I am trying to enjoy it as much as I can and play some good golf.”

Asked whether he was surprised with his performances so far as a professional, he added: “I wouldn’t necessarily say surprised, I think that’s the wrong word. But I’ve always known my own capabilities and what I can do. So, for me, that’s what I expect from myself.

“I’m proud of the way that I’ve handled all the noise and distractions that goes around playing golf, which is a little bit different from college. But I try to embrace it, and I try to have fun with it.”

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The final automatic spot on Luke Donald’s European team for the Ryder Cup showdown with the United States will come down to the final qualifying event — this weeks’ Omega European Masters ‚ with six players still in the running.

After finishing T-4 fourth place at the Czech Masters on Sunday, Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre holds a slender lead in the European Points List, narrowly increasing his lead over closest challenger Yannik Paul.

The Scot birdied his final hole to finish his week on 17-under, gaining 85.42 points in the Czech Republic to increase his total on the European Points List to 1828.99.

His top five at Albatross Golf Resort also helped to increase his advantage over Yannik Paul, who began his week just 90.67 points behind MacIntyre and finished one behind him in 10th place. It means Paul gained 50 points to up his tally to 1702.9, which leaves him 126.09 points adrift of the man who displaced him in the automatic spot with one week to go.

MacIntyre and Paul are two of six players in this week’s field that can end the week in Donald’s line-up. They all have necessary scenarios to make that happen, but Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, Rasmus Hojgaard and Adrian Otaegui all have a mathematical chance of claiming that third and final place.

They will all tee up at Crans-sur-Sierre on Thursday knowing that the fate of their Ryder Cup place is in their hands, whether that is doing enough to qualify, or enough to impress Donald in the last event of the qualifying period.

Tommy Fleetwood, who is currently occupying the third spot on the World’s Points List, could have also qualified with a win but is not competing in Switzerland this week.

Scenarios: What each player needs to do to win

• MacIntyre could still be caught even if he finishes second, so needs to win to absolutely guarantee his place, but only a top-three finish from fellow contenders will threaten his position.
• Paul will qualifies if he wins. He would need to finish at least tied for third with two others, or better, to have a chance.
• Meronk needs to finish in a tie for second with just one player or better to have a chance
• Perez needs to finish in second place alone, or to win to have a chance
• Hojgaard needs to win to have a chance
• Otaegui needs to win to have a chance

European Points List
Player Points
Rory McIlroy (Q) 4033.5
Jon Rahm (Q) 3417.23
Robert MacIntyre 1828.99
Yannik Paul 1702.9
Adrian Meronk 1620.59
Victor Perez 1571.03
Tommy Fleetwood 1534.37
Rasmus Hojgaard 1435.51
Adrian Otaegui 1435.51
Shane Lowry 1290.23

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With the Solheim Cup looming large next month, Ping has revealed the official 2023 uniforms to be worn by Team Europe.

The traditional blue and yellow of Europe dominate the apparel, with a nod to host nation Spain, with a hint of red and yellow on show.

The first day official uniform pays tribute to Spain, hosting the event for the first time, with several products featuring a ‘Euro Stripe’ print made from a combination of red and yellow, from the Spanish flag, and European blue.

Day two’s design features a knitted tape detail. The white vest sees the addition of a subtle Spanish coloured stripe to the back of the neck, as well as the team Europe Shield of Stars print to the back.

To finish the week, the European flag takes centre stage with the design influence for the final day of competition. Traditional European stars feature along the front and back of the polo, with the skirt sporting a star stripe detail to the side.

PING desvela el uniforme oficial del Equipo Europeo para cada día de la Solheim Cup 2023 en Finca Cortesín, y lo pone ya a la venta online ?? https://t.co/pQbJel1jxI pic.twitter.com/bJ1brPXOeQ

— MyGolfWay (@MyGolfWay) August 24, 2023

Ping’s Global Creative Director, Fiona Reilly, said: “It has been a privilege designing Team Europe’s apparel collection for the 2023 Solheim Cup. Our goal was to provide Team Europe with unique, clean and contemporary designs that pay tribute to the host nation of the tournament.

“Comfort and freedom of movement is of paramount importance for the athletes and, to ensure this, all of the garments are engineered from our performance Sensor technology fabrics, to ensure the team is well equipped throughout the week.

“We’re also pleased to be able to offer supporters the chance to proudly wear the colours of Europe, both from their local golf course or from the host venue, Finca Cortesin, during the event itself.”

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Suzann Pettersen has announced her four captain’s picks to round out the home team that’s trying to win an unprecedented third straight Solheim Cup for Europe next month in Spain. Much like the eight automatic qualifiers who locked up their spots two days earlier, Pettersen chose experience along with a fresh face, taking one rookie (Gemma Dryburgh) and three veterans (Madelene Sagstrom, Caroline Hedwal and Emily Kristine Pedersen). With the matches set for Finca Cortesin Resort in just four weeks (September 22-24), here’s what you need to know about the newest members of Europe’s Solheim Cup squad.

Madelene Sagstrom

Madelene Sagstrom. Jack Thomas

This is the 30-year-old’s third Solheim Cup, though it’ll be the first time she’ll play the event in Europe. The Swede was a stand-out on the Epson Tour, winning three times in 2016 and earning her LPGA Tour card for the 2017 season. She has won once on the LPGA Tour and is currently ranked No. 42 in the Rolex World Rankings. Her overall Solheim Cup record is 2-4-0.

Emily Kristine Pedersen

Emily Kristine Pedersen. Charlie Crowhurst/R&A

This is Pedersen’s third Solheim Cup as well and her first start in Europe, too. You may remember her as the player who holed the winning put for the Europeans when they closed out their upset victory at Inverness Club in 2021. The 27-year-old Dane has won five LET events in her career, including four in 2020 alone. Notably, she is one of the longest hitters on the LPGA Tour, averaging 273 yards off the tee. Her career Solheim Cup record is 3-4-0.

Caroline Hedwall

Caroline Hedwall. Getty Images

Hedwall is the most experienced of Pettersen’s picks, set to make her fifth appearance. The 34-year-old Swede who was a stand-out at Oklahoma State who played 10 years on the LPGA Tour but never claimed a title. She does have seven wins on the Ladies European Tour, the most recent coming late last year at the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España —  which was played about an hour from the 2023 Solheim Cup site.
“Having great memories from the end of last year in Andalucía, I hadn’t thought much about Solheim until I won and after that, it was a goal for the season,” Hedwall said. “I’m just really happy it became a reality and super pumped to play in Spain again.”
Her career Solheim Cup record is 8-6-1.

Gemma Dryburgh

Gemma Dryburgh. David Cannon

This is Dryburgh’s first Solheim Cup, though she has experience in team play, having competed in the 2014 Curtis Cup. The 30-year-old Scot played college golf at Tulane before turning professional in 2015. In 2022, she won the Toto Japan Classic, her first LPGA victory. She will make a good foursomes partner as she is one of the most accurate drivers of the golf ball on the LPGA Tour, hitting more than 82 pe rcent of fairways in the 2023 season.

Team Europe’s complete roster for the 2023 Solheim Cup

Celine Boutier
Maja Stark
Charley Hull
Leona Maguire
Georgia Hall
Linn Grant
Carlota Ciganda
Anna Nordqvist
Gemma Dryburgh
Caroline Hedwall
Emily Kristine Pedersen
Madelene Sagstrom

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Suzann Pettersen revealed her four captain’s picks to complete Team Europe’s line-up for their defence of the Solheim Cup title at Finca Cortesin in Spain next month.

The Europe skipper opted for a blend of fresh talent and experience, as a third rookie — Gemma Dryburgh of Scotland — was added to the two there on points: Maja Stark and Linn Grant.

Dryburgh is joined by a sprinkling of Scandinavian stardust as Swedish stars Madelene Sagström and Caroline Hedwall, as well as Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen, complete the line-up heading to Finca Cortesin from September 22-24.

This will be Sagström’s third appearance in the Solheim Cup having made her debut in 2017 and being part of the winning team last time out in Toledo, but it will be a new experience as it will be her first on European soil.

“I’m super proud and honoured to get a pick from Suzann,” said the Swede. “Playing in my third Solheim Cup and the first on European soil is a huge accomplishment for me and something I’ve always dreamt about. I can’t wait to represent Europe in Spain and create some amazing memories with the team. Vamos!”

Dryburgh secured her maiden LPGA Tour title last November winning the Toto Japan Classic and just a few weeks ago recorded her best-ever finish in a major with eighth place at the Amundi Evian Championship.

“I’m over the moon to be picked for my first Solheim Cup,” said the Scot. “It has been a dream of mine to play on the European team since I can remember and for it to become a reality is an amazing feeling. It really makes all of the hard work over the years worthwhile and now I just can’t wait to tee it up with the rest of my teammates.”

Denmark’s Pedersen will also be teeing it up in her third Solheim Cup, after she made her debut in 2017 and rolled in the putt that sealed victory on American soil in 2021.

“I’m super proud to get picked,” said the 2020 Race to Costa del Sol champion. “I’m stoked because Suzann is someone that I’ve always looked up to.

“I haven’t yet played a Solheim Cup in Europe and I really wanted to play this. Spain has a really special place in my heart, I love Spain and I’m super happy to be able to represent Europe once again.”

While Hedwall will be making her fifth appearance in the biennial contest and her first since 2019 after being picked by Pettersen.

The Swedish star secured her seventh LET title at last season’s finale — the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España — and can’t wait to be playing on Spanish soil again.

“I’m just really excited to play another Solheim Cup,” commented Hedwall. “It’s my absolute favourite event to play, so I can’t wait for the week to start!

“Having great memories from the end of last year in Andalucía, I hadn’t thought much about Solheim until I won and after that, it was a goal for the season. I’m just really happy it became a reality and super pumped to play in Spain again.”

Speaking about her four picks, Pettersen said: “I’m very pleased with my team. Madelene was an obvious choice. She was right there in the pack with the rest of the eight qualifiers, has experience and is a great team player. It’s been great following Gemma and her performances over the past year, she has a very consistent game, is a great putter and has a great personality.

“Emily is a fierce competitor, especially in match play, she has the experience and I know what I’m going to get from her. I can’t think of a more competitive player than Caroline. I’m very happy to have her on our team. She compliments the team perfectly with her game and records in the Solheim Cup.”

The four picks will be joined by France’s Celine Boutier and Sweden’s Maja Stark, who qualified through LET Solheim Cup points.

Plus, English duo Charley Hull and Georgia Hall, Ireland’s Leona Maguire, Swedish pair Linn Grant and Anna Nordqvist and Spain’s Carlota Ciganda who secured their spots through the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

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With eight of the 12 players now locked in for Team Europe ahead of their Solheim Cup title defence, Suzann Pettersen and her side can now finally turn their attention fully to the challenge ahead as they welcome the American stars to Finca Cortesin in Spain next month.

France’s Celine Boutier, the Amundi Evian and Women’s Scottish open champion, is on fire right now and topped the LET Solheim Cup Points standings with 264.57 points thanks in part to those back-to-back victories.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of Team Europe at the 2023 Solheim Cup,” said the Frenchwoman, who made her Solheim Cup debut in 2019, is a two-time winner and has won 5.5 points in her seven matches at the previous two editions.

“It’s going to be such an enjoyable week and it’s always a lot of fun. I’ve had such a great year winning on the LPGA in March and then to get my first major title at Evian and to win in Scotland the week after.

“It’s been unbelievable and I’m so excited to have qualified to play in the Solheim Cup. To be able to share the week with my teammates and be able to compete for Europe on European soil for the first time since 2019 will be amazing.”

Celine Boutier. Stuart Franklin

The newly crowned major champion is joined by Sweden’s Maja Stark, who clinched the second spot with 262.42 points.

Stark, who turned professional in August 2021, has won six times on the LET in the past two years including the 2022 edition of the co-sanctioned ISPS Handa World Invitational which secured her membership of the LPGA Tour.

The 23-year-old was part of the Junior Solheim Cup team in 2017, just six years ago, and will now be teeing it up as a rookie at the 2023 Solheim Cup which takes place between September 22-24.

“It feels like there have been very many gradual steps towards this moment,” Stark said. “I have just been doing my job since turning professional to get to this point. It’s something I have wanted to do for a long time, to represent Team Europe at the Solheim Cup and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be so much fun.”

Charley Hull. Warren Little/R&A

Six players have qualified to Team Europe via the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings with England’s Charley Hull leading the way.

This will be Hull’s sixth consecutive Solheim Cup, having made her debut aged 17 and she has been on the winning team on three occasions.

After an outstanding rookie performance in Toledo in 2021 where she earned 4.5 points out of 5, Ireland’s Leona Maguire returns to Team Europe.

Maguire said: “I’m really excited to be part of the European Team at this year’s Solheim Cup. I had an incredible time in Toledo, it was way beyond my expectations, but I can’t wait to be part of Team Europe on European soil and to play in front of home fans. It’s great to be flying the flag for Ireland once again and I hope to have lots of support in Spain.”

Georgia Hall. Getty

England’s Georgia Hall has qualified for her fourth Solheim Cup after making her debut in 2017 and being on the winning team for the past two editions.

There will be another rookie on the team as Linn Grant secured qualification for her first Solheim Cup in September in Spain.

The Swedish star has won five times on the LET in the past two seasons including at the 2022 Scandinavian Mixed where she became the first woman to win a DP World Tour event, and she recently secured her maiden victory on the LPGA Tour.

Grant explained: “I’m very proud. It’s the first Solheim Cup that I can play in and I’m in it which is pretty cool. It has obviously been a dream since I found out about the Solheim Cup. We’re a great team, I love Suzann and all our vice-captains, and I think we will have a really fun week. I’m looking forward to it.”

Spain will have a home hero in the team at Finca Cortesin as Carlota Ciganda will be making her sixth consecutive appearance for the European Team.

“The Solheim Cup is my favourite week of the year and to be able to play at home in Spain is a dream come true,” said Ciganda, who clinched her seventh LET title earlier this season.

“I love playing for the team and I am very excited to be able to play in front of home crowds. Hopefully, we will see a lot of girls come out and watch us play and I hope that we can inspire them for the future and for the next generations to come.”

Anna Nordqvist. Getty Images

While Anna Nordqvist will be a playing vice-captain in Spain after she secured her place in the final automatic qualifying spot via the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

The Swede will be making her eighth consecutive appearance in the competition having won 15.5 points from the 27 matches she has played.

“I’m very proud to be taking on vice-captaincy and playing this year,” she said. “I don’t think it’s a secret how much I love the Solheim Cup and it brings out the best in me. It’s always my biggest goal every two years to make the team and try to help Europe win. There’s no feeling like stepping up on the first tee box.”

Speaking about her team captain Suzann Pettersen said: “I’m very happy with my team right now for the 2023 Solheim Cup. Congratulations to the eight players who have automatically qualified, we have so much experience in the team and it’s great to have our rookies Maja and Linn representing Europe for the first time. We have never had such a strong group of players in terms of world ranking. The European players have been playing well this year and putting in strong performances across the board.”

Pettersen will finalise her team and name her four captain’s picks this evening as Europe look to win their third Solheim Cup in a row.

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And then there was five. Completing the now traditional number of vice-captains at a modern Ryder Cup, Francesco Molinari will act as the fifth and final back-up to non-playing captain, Luke Donald, when the biennial bunfight between the United States and Europe reconvenes at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club near Rome next month.

Molinari, who hails from Turin in the north of Italy, joins his older brother Edoardo, Thomas Bjorn, Jose Maria Olazabal and Nicolas Colsaerts in what will be the first-ever all-continental line-up of captain’s assistants.

“I chose Francesco because he has a lot of experience in Ryder Cups and he is a major winner,” said Donald. “He has a tremendous individual career, but he is also Italian. I wanted him there no matter what, whether it was playing or as a vice-captain. With his brother there too, I think it is going to be pretty special, having both Edoardo and Francesco on my team representing team Europe but also representing Italy.”

? VICE CAPTAIN ?

We're delighted to welcome @F_Molinari as @LukeDonald's fifth Vice Captain. pic.twitter.com/ezS57dvlTk

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) August 16, 2023

It had been thought that the younger Molinari might be capable of making what would have been his fourth appearance as a player, but his lack of consistent form over the last few months put that notion to rest. The former Open champion, once as high as fifth in the world rankings, is currently 179th, a lowly 78th on the European Ryder Cup qualifying list and no higher than 52nd on the world qualifying list. In other words, the chances of him making this year’s team were hovering precariously between slim and none.

No matter, Molinari brings a wealth of Ryder Cup and team experience to his new role. Alongside his elder brother he made his debut at Celtic Manor in Wales 13 years ago. Earlier this year Molinari led Continental Europe to victory in the Hero Cup matches against Great Britain & Ireland in Abu Dhabi. And he also played for the continent in three editions of the old Seve Trophy, the forerunner of the Hero contest.

Twice the six-time DP World Tour winner has played significant parts in European wins. In 2012 he was the last man on the course when he halved the final singles match with Tiger Woods and ensured the unlikely away victory that came to be known as the “Miracle at Medinah”.

Four years later at Le Golf National just outside Paris, Molinari became the first European player to win all five of his matches in a Ryder Cup. In so doing he formed a potent four-point winning combination with his close friend, Englishman Tommy Fleetwood (a certainty to make this year’s team), that was soon enough heralded as “Moliwood.”

“I am very proud to be part of Luke’s team,” said Molinari. “I started the year hoping to be there as a player, but it is still a great honour to be there as a vice-captain. I got a phone call from Luke asking if I was interested and obviously it was a clear answer from me. He is assembling a really good team of people. A lot of them are close to me in different ways. We’ve all shared the stage together already in some form and that helps when it comes to decision time and putting Luke and the players in the best conditions possible to perform at their best.”

There was time too, for further mention of his sibling.

“The coolest moment I have had in the Ryder Cup was making my debut alongside Edoardo and experiencing for the first time what it meant to be part of the European team,” he continued. “It is super special to be there with him again in Rome. It is a proud moment any time you get to put on the shirt with the European badge on it. It’s a Ryder Cup which is particularly close to my heart being played in Rome so I will do whatever I can to help Luke and the team and hopefully bring the trophy back to Europe.”

Automatic qualification for Donald’s 12-man European team will conclude on Sunday, September 3. So far, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland have confirmed their places, with a further three automatic spots available. Donald will then announce his six captain’s picks on Monday September 4.

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