The 2023 Solheim Cup is officially underway in Virginia, and the excitement is palpable as the U.S. team aims to reclaim the title they last held in 2017. The opening match features a clash of titans: world number one Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz, representing the U.S., will take on the formidable European duo of Charley Hull and Esther Henseleit.
Korda, a dominant force in women’s golf with seven victories in 12 Solheim Cup matches, is looking to finally experience a winning team. This year, she’s won six LPGA tournaments, including her second major, making her a formidable contender. She has made it clear that the U.S. team is hungry for redemption against the Europeans who retained the trophy last year in a draw in Spain.
U.S. captain Stacy Lewis has chosen Korda and Corpuz, who successfully paired up in Spain, to kickstart the competition. Lewis believes their experience will give the U.S. a crucial advantage. “I wanted to send some experience out first and who better than the number one player in the world,” Lewis said. “It was a pairing that was very successful last year. They are very comfortable together so I have a lot of confidence in them.”
Meanwhile, Europe, led by the returning captain Suzann Pettersen, are looking to achieve an unprecedented four-peat. Pettersen is known for her strategic game plan, and in a bold move, she has decided to send out her two rookies, Henseleit and Albane Valenzuela, for the first day of competition. This unorthodox strategy is meant to provide the newcomers with valuable experience and showcase their “sassy confidence.” “Playing away, I think it’s great to get everyone going, especially the rookies,” Pettersen said. “There’s no point for them to sit around and wait and wonder what it’s going to be like. Let’s just send them out and let them experience it.”
The opening day will feature four foursomes matches in the morning followed by four four-ball matches in the afternoon. The format repeats on Saturday, leading into the decisive 12 singles matches on Sunday. This is sure to be a thrilling competition as both teams fight for the prestigious Solheim Cup trophy.
