Syed Talib
Updated on: October 10, 2024 9:25 pm GMT
As anticipation builds for the 2024 Solheim Cup, U.S. captain Stacy Lewis has expressed her wish for a team full of Lexi Thompsons. The event, which starts on Friday at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, marks Thompson’s seventh and final appearance in the prestigious tournament, adding emotional weight to the U.S. team’s quest to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2017.
Stacy Lewis Highlights Lexi Thompson’s Impact
Thompson, a prominent figure in women’s golf, has been a key player for the United States since her debut in 2013. Over her career, she has secured 15 professional wins and earned her only major title at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship, now known as the Chevron Championship. Throughout her Solheim Cup journey, she has amassed an impressive 12½ points from 23 matches, highlighting her contributions to the team.
In a heartwarming gesture, Lewis lauded Thompson’s influence on both the game and her teammates. “Her legacy is the Solheim Cup,” Lewis stated. “She plays better golf here and gets more excited to play golf here. She’ll do whatever it takes to win.” This sentiment reflects Thompson’s passion and dedication, key traits that have endeared her to fans and players alike.
Lewis emphasized the void Thompson will leave, stressing the importance of her presence in the team environment. “Lexi needs to be there in the team room. She’s just great energy to have around,” Lewis noted. With Thompson’s retirement from full-time golf, discussions about her potential future role, possibly as an assistant coach, are already underway. Thompson herself expressed interest in remaining involved, saying, “I’d love to be still a part of it in any way just because I know how special it’s been for me.”
A Star-Studded U.S. Team
The U.S. team features several top players, including world number one Nelly Korda and number two Lilia Vu. This high-caliber roster positions the Americans as strong favorites to reclaim the Solheim Cup, especially as they seek to break Europe’s momentum, which could see the team retaining the trophy for a record fourth consecutive time.
Korda has described the U.S. team’s focus as a matter of “unfinished business” with their European counterparts. The added pressure of playing on home soil in Virginia could galvanize the team further as they strive for victory.
Team Atmosphere and Preparation
While the stakes are high, Lewis is fostering a relaxed environment for her players. To lighten the mood, she has introduced a karaoke machine on the team bus, aiming to create a sense of camaraderie. “This team is hungry and they want to have fun doing it,” Lewis remarked. She compared the team’s preparation to students readying for final exams, emphasizing that maintaining a light atmosphere may play a crucial role in their performance.
“I don’t feel any pressure when I’m around the girls, and I don’t think they feel pressure either,” she added, hinting that a relaxed mindset may lead to greater success. The understanding that winning is a goal, but not an added burden, could be key in their approach to this year’s competition.
Elevating the Solheim Cup Experience
The Solheim Cup, which has returned to its biennial schedule, had its rhythm disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lewis has voiced her concerns in the past about the need for better promotion of both the Solheim and Ryder Cups to increase visibility and fan engagement. Despite her previous remarks, she admits to feeling “indifferent” about the promotion strategy moving forward, focusing instead on the current competition at hand.
As the first round approaches, the U.S. team is primed for battle. Their ambitious aim is to divert the course of history and seize the championship, while also celebrating Thompson’s lasting legacy within the sport. The clash with Europe promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for supremacy.
The Solheim Cup is a special golf tournament with a rich history. It brings together the best female golfers from Europe and the United States to compete against each other. This exciting event happens every two years and showcases amazing talent and sportsmanship.
