It was not ideal for the USA that the Solheim Cup ended in a tie in 2023. By all accounts, it was a riveting and tense tournament in Andalucia, resulting in Team Europe retaining the cup. It was Stacy Lewis’ first time as captain of Team USA. She remains the captain in 2024, and captain’s pick Lexi Thompson says that Team USA is all the better for it.

In a recent interview, Thompson underlined her trust in the Ohio native, saying, “It’s the firepower in her game and how talented she is, it’s something I’ve looked up to… she doesn’t deal with mediocre. She pushes herself to be the best.”

Having played with Lewis for several years, she is right in saying that Lewis has firepower in her game. Her accolades include being World No. 1, winning two women’s majors, and earning 11 regular LPGA Tour wins. She’s been in the game since 2009, and Thompson turned pro in 2010, so they’ve known each other for a long time.

In the interview, Thompson, who turned pro at 15 years old, said that she has always looked up to Lewis, who is a full ten years older than her. They have also played together in the Solheim Cup and won in 2013, 2015, and 2017.

Team USA is not lacking in firepower either. They have three major winners in the squad: World No. 1 Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, and Allisen Corpuz, as well as the Women’s Scottish Open winner Laurie Coughlin. They will surely be a tough nut to crack for the Europeans if they want to retain the cup.

What firepower does Team Europe possess?

Suzanne Pettersen also remains Europe’s Solheim Cup captain as it transitions to an even-numbered event. On points, those who qualified are Charley Hull, Esther Henseleit, Maja Stark, Linn Grant, Celine Boutier, Leona Maguire, Carlota Ciganda, Georgia Hall, and Madelene Sagstrom.

These are the best Europe has to offer. Esther Henseleit secured back-to-back second-place finishes, placing her second on the points list. She is the only rookie to qualify automatically. Hull is a force in women’s golf and has a 61 percent win rate in Solheim Cup matches.

With these season-defining events, it is hard to know what will happen. However, it is sure to be a thrilling and entertaining match-play tournament featuring the best in women’s golf. The Solheim Cup begins this weekend on September 13th.