When is the… 2017 Solheim Cup?
The 2017 Solheim Cup has a lot to live up to after the drama of the 2015 edition. Who can forget “Gimmegate”…
What is the Solheim Cup?
Much like the Ryder Cup for the men’s game, the Solheim Cup is a biennial golf tournament for professional women golfers contested between Europe and the United States.
It takes place every two years and the venue alternates between courses in America and Europe.
There are 12 players on each team and selection is largely based on points accumulated in tournaments in the two seasons before the cup takes place. Eight players automatically qualify for Team Europe and there are four wildcard picks for the captain, while 10 are automatically chosen for the USA and the captain receives two picks.
The Friday and Saturday action involves four foursomes and four fourball matches taking place each day.
On Sunday the pressure is cranked to the maximum. All players must play in one-on-one singles matches.
The winner of each match scores a point, with half a point each for any match that is tied after the 18 holes. The overall winner of the Solheim Cup is determined by cumulative total points.
When is the 2017 Solheim Cup?
The 2017 edition will be held from Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 20.
If the drama of the Ryder Cup from Hazeltine leaves you craving more then you won’t have to wait too long for some Solheim action.
Where is the 2017 Solheim Cup?
The biggest team event in women’s golf will be making its first appearance at Des Moines Golf & Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa.
When are the 2017 Solheim Cup teams announced?
There are 12 players on each team and the selection process is largely based on points picked at tournaments in the build-up to the competition. Team Europe consists of the top four players from the LET Solheim Cup standings, followed by the top four LET members on the Women’s World Golf Rankings who have not already qualified via the Solheim Cup standings. There are also four captain’s selections.
Meanwhile for Team USA, eight players with the highest points on the LPGA Tour are automatically selected. Two more players will qualify based on their position in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and the captain receives two wildcard picks.
The race to qualify will end on a date to be announced in the 2017 season.
How can I watch the 2017 Solheim Cup?
All the action will be broadcast live by Sky Sports – but remember Iowa is six hours behind UK time, so be prepared to stay up late to catch the last of the play.
Who are the reigning Solheim Cup champions?
The USA edged a tight contest 14.5-13.5 in 2015 to reclaim the cup and it was a contest filled with controversy.
The match between Suzann Pettersen/Charley Hull and Alison Lee/Brittany Lincicome was all square on the 17th green. Lee missed a putt to win the hole and thinking the next 18-inch putt had been conceded, she picked up her ball. However, Pettersen insisted that it was not conceded, and the Europeans won the hole and eventually the match. Pettersen was criticised for unsportsmanlike behaviour but issued an apology soon afterwards.
When is the… 2017 Masters?
