. Carlota Ciganda, who qualified directly through the World Ranking, is the only Spanish player present in the tournament.

European captain Suzann Pettersen has announced live on Sky Sports and Golf Channel her four choices to complete the lineup for the European team that will compete in the 2023 Solheim Cup at the Finca Cortesín course in Malaga between September 22 and 24.

The previous Sunday, once the ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by AVIV Clinics concluded, the direct qualification for the European team was closed and it was only left for Pettersen to decide which four players would join the eight initially qualified, who have been Madelene Sagström, Gemma Dryburgh, Emily Kristine Pedersen and Caroline Hedwall.

Madelene Sagström will compete in her third Solheim Cup after debuting in 2017 and being part of the winning team last year in Toledo (Ohio, USA), but this edition will be a new experience for her, as it will be the first tournament she plays on European soil.

«I feel so proud and honored that Suzann chose me,» said the Swedish player. «Playing in my third Solheim Cup and my first on European soil is a huge achievement for me and something I’ve always dreamed of. I can’t wait to represent Europe in Spain and make some amazing memories with the team. Let’s go!»

Scotland's Gemma Dryburgh will be the team's third rookie, joining two other qualified novices, Maja Stark and Linn Grant. Dryburgh won her first LPGA Tour title last November at the Toto Japan Classic and just a few weeks ago recorded her best major result with an eighth-place finish at the Amundi Evian Championship. 

«I’m thrilled to have been selected for my first Solheim Cup,» the Scot said. «Playing for the European team has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, and to make it a reality is an incredible feeling. It really makes all the hard work of these past years worthwhile, and I can’t wait to get on the tee with the rest of my teammates.».

Denmark's Emily Kristine Pedersen will also be playing her third Solheim Cup, after debuting in 2017 and sinking the putt that sealed the victory on American soil in 2021.

«I’m so proud to have been selected,» said the 2020 Race to Costa del Sol champion. «I’m really excited because Suzann is someone I’ve always admired. I haven’t played in a Solheim Cup in Europe yet, and I was really looking forward to this one. Spain holds a very special place in my heart; I love the country, and I’m so happy to be able to represent Europe once again.» 

Caroline Hedwall, meanwhile, will make her fifth appearance at the biennial competition and her first since 2019 after being chosen by Pettersen. 

The Swedish star secured his seventh LET title by winning the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España, which closed out last season, and is eager to play in Spain again. 

«I’m really excited to be playing another Solheim Cup,» Hedwall said. «It’s my favorite tournament, so I can’t wait for it to start. I have great memories of the end of last year in Andalusia. I hadn’t given the Solheim Cup much thought until I won, and after that, it was a goal for this season. I’m so happy it’s finally happened and really looking forward to playing in Spain again.».

Regarding her four selections, Suzann Pettersen didn't hide her satisfaction: "I'm very happy with my team! Madelene was an obvious choice; she was ranked very close to the top eight, she has experience, and she's a great team player. As for Gemma, it's been great to follow her performances this year; she has a very consistent game, kicks very well, and has a great personality.".

«"Emily is a fierce competitor, especially in match play. She has experience, and I know everything she can bring to the team. And as for Caroline, I can't think of a more competitive player. I'm delighted to have her on our team. She complements it perfectly with her game and her Solheim Cup stats.".

The four chosen by the European captain will be joined by France's Celine Boutier and Sweden's Maja Stark, who qualified thanks to LET Solheim Cup points, as well as England's Charley Hull and Georgia Hall, Ireland's Leona Maguire, Sweden's Linn Grant and Anna Nordqvist and Spain's Carlota Ciganda, who joined the team through their positions in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings.

About the Solheim Cup

The 2023 Solheim Cup, an event of exceptional public interest whose official venue is Finca Cortesín, is sponsored by PING, Turismo Costa del Sol, and Rolex as global partners; and by the Regional Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport of the Andalusian Regional Government, with co-financing from the European Union, Acosol, the Marbella City Council, and the Benahavís City Council as official partners, and the Casares City Council and Reale Seguros as official sponsors. Solán de Cabras, Eversheds Sutherland, Toro, Vithas, EZ-GO, Jet Set Sports, BMW Automotor Premium, and Olin are official suppliers. Peninsula and Trablisa are sustainability partners. Marca and Radio Marca are official media partners. It is promoted and organized by Deporte & Business. The LET, LPGA, RFEG, CSD, and RFGA collaborate in its organization.

SOURCE: Tournament Organization