The matches that will kick off the Solheim Cup this Friday have been announced: four foursomes that both captains know could be pivotal in the competition. Carlota Ciganda will not be playing in them; the player from Navarre will have to wait until the afternoon session to make her tournament debut.

European team captain Suzann Pettersen has selected the all-Swedish pair of debutantes Maja Stark and Linn Grant for the first match of the opening round. Their opponents, on the first tee at 8:10 a.m. sharp, will be none other than Lexi Thompson and Meghan Khang, who has seven appearances to her name.

The morning session will conclude with two veteran pairs, Charley Hull and Emily Kristine Pedersen, playing against Ally Ewing and Cheyenne Knight. Before that, two exciting doubles matches will take place: Celine Boutier and Georgia Hall, and Leona Maguire and Anna Nordqvist.

In addition to Carlota Ciganda, Gemma Dryburgh, Madelen Sagstrom and Caroline Hedwall will not be playing in the morning session.

Before embarking on her sixth appearance in the competition, which would make her the most experienced European player on the team alongside Charley Hull and second only to Anna Nordqvist, Carlota Ciganda boasts a Solheim Cup record of seven wins, eight losses, and four draws. She has proven herself in both fourball and foursome matches, but her strongest record has been in singles.

Pairings First day – Foursomes

Maja Stark/Linn Grant (EUR) – Lexi Thompson/Meghan Khang (USA)

Celine Boutier/Georgia Hall (EUR) – Danielle Kang/Andrea Lee (USA)

Leona Maguire/Anna Nordqvist (EUR) – Nelly Korda/Allisen Corpuz (USA)

Charley Hull/Emily Kristine Pedersen (EUR) – Ally Ewing/Cheyenne Knight (USA)