CARNOUSTIE, Scotland, Aug. 22, 2021 – With the completion of the 2021 AIG Women’s Open, U.S. Captain Pat Hurst has learned the names of the nine automatic qualifiers who will represent the Red, White and Blue at the 2021 Solheim Cup, to be held Sept. 4-6 at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.
Rolex Rankings No. 1 Nelly Korda, a three-time LPGA Tour winner in 2021 and gold medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, leads the list of seven players named to the team via the USA Solheim Cup Team Standings. She is joined (in order of ranking) by Danielle Kang, Ally Ewing, Austin Ernst, Lexi Thompson, Jessica Korda and Megan Khang.
Additionally, Lizette Salas and Jennifer Kupcho will represent the USA as the two highest Americans in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings not among the seven qualifiers from the USA Solheim Cup Team Standings.
Eight of the nine automatic qualifiers have previously represented the United States at the Solheim Cup, while Kang, Thompson and Jessica Korda joined Nelly Korda at the Olympics earlier in August. Kupcho is the only Team USA rookie among the nine automatic qualifiers.
Hurst also receives three captain’s picks to round out the 12-player American squad. Those players will be announced on Monday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m. EDT, as will Hurst’s third Assistant Captain, who will join the previously announced Angela Stanford and Michelle Wie West.
“The last two years have been so long and I’m so happy to finally know who be on Team USA in Toledo,” said Hurst. “This is an incredibly talented group of players, with so much crucial experience to lean on as we work to win back the Cup. I’m excited for the opportunity to lead this team and can’t wait to finally get to Inverness.”
Players started accruing points toward the USA Solheim Cup Team Standings at the 2019 Cambia Portland Classic. Points were awarded to the top 20 participants at each Ranking Event, with double points awarded at the five major championships. The full points breakdown is available at www.solheimcupusa.com/usa-points-standings/how-to-qualify.
The biennial Solheim Cup is the most prestigious international women’s professional golf team event. In 2019, Team Europe earned a 14.5-13.5 victory at Gleneagles in Scotland, a breathtaking win that saw Suzann Pettersen knock in the winning putt on the final hole of the final match. Team USA leads Team Europe, 10-6, all-time in Solheim Cup competition.
With a full week of action at the 2021 Solheim Cup, fans can purchase various ticket and hospitality packages to enjoy every activity in Toledo at Inverness Club. New in 2021 is the Meijer Pavilion, which will give ticketholders a 300-degree view of the surrounding holes, upgraded food and beverage options and much more. Information on ticket options and prices is available at SolheimCupUSA.com.
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