Solheim Cup 2024: Team USA adds Thompson, Kupcho and Schmelzel and is ready for business

U.S. 2024 Solheim Cup Captain, Stacy Lewis, has made her final three selections for the event, picking Lexi Thompson, Jennifer Kupcho, and Sarah Schmelzel. These players offer a combination of experience, performance, and novelty that could prove decisive in the competition to be held at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, from September 13-15.

Thompson, a six-time Solheim Cup veteran, and Kupcho, with two previous appearances, were relatively obvious choices for Lewis. Conversely, Schmelzel, who will be making her debut in this prestigious competition, was a more surprising choice, but one that reflects Lewis’ confidence in her recent performance.

Lexi Thompson

Lexi Thompson, 29, has had a challenging season in 2024, with fluctuations in her performance. Thompson is currently ranked 46th in the world. She has participated in 13 tournaments this year, earning four top 10s, but also failing to make the cut on five occasions.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned fluctuations in performance, her comprehensive Solheim Cup history, which includes a 9-7-7 record, renders her a pivotal asset for the U.S. team. Her comprehensive understanding of the game and her capacity to perform under pressure at high-level tournaments were instrumental in her selection.

Thompson brings not only her ability on the course, but also her leadership skills to the Solheim Cup, having played in six previous editions and having played a crucial role in the victories in 2015 and 2017. In her final season as a full-time player on the LPGA, Thompson is determined to leave an indelible mark on Solheim Cup history.

Her presence will be a beacon for younger players, who can learn from her focus and determination in high-pressure moments.

Jennifer Kupcho

Jennifer Kupcho, 27, enters the 2024 Solheim Cup following a successful season on the LPGA tour. Kupcho is currently ranked 53rd in the world and has competed in 19 tournaments, securing four top 10 finishes and making the cut on 17 occasions.

While her Solheim Cup record is 2-3-2, her ability to compete at the highest level, demonstrated by her three LPGA victories, including a major in 2022, makes her a logical choice for Lewis. Kupcho brings previous experience and determination to the team, having demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure in previous roles.

Kupcho, although less experienced than Thompson, has also demonstrated her ability to compete at a high level. Her participation in the 2021 and 2023 editions of the Solheim Cup has provided valuable insight into what it takes to compete at this level.

She is known for her ability to perform under pressure, and her major tournament experience will be a valuable asset to the U.S. team. Her selection reflects Lewis’ confidence in her ability to perform in critical situations.

Sarah Schmelzel

Sarah Schmelzel, 30, is a newcomer to the Solheim Cup, yet her potential is as promising as any other competitor. Schmelzel is currently ranked 61st in the world and has had a standout season in 2024, with six top 10 finishes in 20 tournaments.

Despite missing the cut on seven occasions, Schmelzel demonstrated remarkable consistency and an ability to compete at the highest level in major tournaments, which caught the attention of Lewis. Despite her lack of Solheim Cup experience, her recent performance indicates that she is prepared to meet the challenges of the international stage.

The team’s newest member, Schmelzel, brings a fresh perspective and a high level of enthusiasm. Despite this being her inaugural appearance at the Solheim Cup, her unwavering performance throughout the 2024 season indicates her readiness to meet the challenge.

Schmelzel will have the opportunity to demonstrate her abilities on a global stage and benefit from the experience of more seasoned players like Thompson and Kupcho. The inclusion of these three players diversifies the experience of the group and introduces a fresh dynamic that could be crucial in the competition.

The final US Solheim Cup Team

Captain Stacy Lewis has assembled a balanced U.S. team for the 2024 Solheim Cup, with the inclusion of these three players reflecting a combination of experience and newness. Thompson leads as a veteran, while Schmelzel brings a fresh perspective.

The three byees will join the seven players who qualified on points: Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Lauren Coughlin, Allisen Corpuz, Andrea Lee, Ally Ewing and Megan Khang, as well as the two qualifiers based on world ranking, Rose Zhang and Alison Lee.