Why is the Solheim Cup being played in 2024? Event’s switchback to even-numbered years explored

Modified Sep 09, 2024 12:46 GMT

Syndication: The Courier-Journal - Source: Imagn — The Solheim Cup trophy [Image via Imagn]

The 2024 golf season will witness the return of the iconic Solheim Cup. Set to be played between September 13 and 15, the event will be held at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. Team USA will be taking on defending champions Europe in the competition

However, before the tournament, many fans had questions about why the Solheim Cup is taking place this year, as it is a biennial tournament and the last edition was played in 2023. It is taking place this year because the contest switched to even years to avoid clashes with the Ryder Cup.

This switch has occurred in the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2002. The Ryder Cup was also moved to odd years after the competition had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, while the Solheim Cup will take place this year, the Ryder Cup will take place in 2025.

For those unaware, the United States of America has won this competition on ten occasions whereas Team Europe has won seven and both teams have tied once. However, Europe will head in confidently as they have won the last three editions.

How does qualification for the Solheim Cup work?

Before understanding the qualification process, let's know the captains. Team USA and Team Europe have retained their captains from the last edition. Stacy Lewis will serve as USA's Captain whereas Suzzan Patterson will lead Team Europe.

Now coming to the qualifications, Team USA will contain the top seven players on the Solheim Cup point list, and these points are awarded based on a golfer's performance on the LPGA Tour. The next two available players will be picked based on the world ranking and the captain will have three picks too.

Team Europe on the other hand will have the top two players from the European point list, based on the performances on the Ladies European Tour. Next, six players will be picked based on the world rankings and the captain will be allowed four picks to complete the team.

A look at the World Rankings ahead of the event:

USA

Nelly Korda

Lilia Vu

Rose Zhang

Lauren Coughlin

Ally Ewing

Megan Khang

Alison Lee

Allisen Corpuz

Lexi Thompson

Andrea Lee

Jennifer Kupcho

Sarah Schmelzel

Europe

Celine Boutier

Charley Hull

Maja Stark

Linn Grant

Esther Henseleit

Carlota Ciganda

Leona Maguire

Madelene Sagstrom

Georgia Hall

Albane Valenzuela

Anna Nordqvist

Emily Kristine Pedersen

The event will have 28 matches played in foursomes, fourballs, and singles over three days. A win in each is worth a point whereas a tie would mean both teams share half a point.

About the author

Varun is a Golf and WWE journalist for Sportskeeda with over 4 years of work experience in his bag. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, he worked for many sites, including EssentiallySports, FanSided, Khel Now, Get Football, and a few others.

Varun is a fan of golfer Scottie Scheffler due to the latter’s mindset, and he admires Roman Reigns’ ability to keep moving forward in life regardless of any obstacles. As a purist golf fan, he would love to compete at the Masters if given the opportunity, but is also happy with LIV Golf driving more eyeballs towards the sport. If he could go back in time and be a manager for someone in the WWE, it would have been Big Show.

Varun’s mantra for writing factually correct feature articles is thorough verification. Another key element in his writing is staying updated with both sports through the official websites of pro wrestling and Golf. He has had the privilege of interviewing MMA legend Greg Jackson in his career so far.

Varun likes to spend his free time reading or writing poetry and fiction. He also plans to learn and play golf in his spare time.

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Edited by Aayush Kapoor