Maguire receives Solheim Cup wildcard pick

Leona Maguire will compete in her fourth Solheim Cup after Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist named the Cavan golfer as one of her four wildcard picks for the event at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from 11-13 September.

Since making her debut in 2021, Maguire has won eight, halved one and lost just three of her 12 matches across three Solheim Cup.

And while the 31-year-old has struggled for form this season and missed the cut at the Women's AIG Open, Nordqvist no doubt took note of those impressive stats.

The European team is selected from the top two players on the LET Solheim Cup points list, with another six players qualified on the basis of the Rolex Women's World Golf rankings.

From the above, Charlie Hull (England), Esther Henseleit (Germany), Lottie Woad (England), Maja Stark (Sweden), Celine Boutier (France), Carlota Ciganda (Spain), Linn Grant (Sweden) and Nanna Koerstz Madsen (Denmark) have made the team.

Nordqvist's three reaming wildcard picks are Julia Lopez Ramirez (Spain), Nastasia Nadaud (France) and Mimi Rhodes (England).

Maguire, the most experienced of the picks, said: "I'm really excited to be part of Team Europe again in September and I’m happy that Anna has picked me to be on the team.

"I love the Solheim Cup, it brings the best out of my game and I love being part of the team. I can’t wait to represent Europe for the fourth time and to be back on European soil."

Captain Nordqvist said Maguire was a natural choice: "Leona has proved herself at the Solheim Cup, she has a huge passion for the European team and her record speaks for itself.

"She is a player you want on your team especially in matchplay and I'm thrilled to pick her.

"Julia has really impressed me since turning professional. She has a great personality and she is a great ball-striker, very passionate and will bring great energy to the European team.

"Nastasia is a great young player who has been getting better and better in the qualifying period. After getting her first win on the LET, she is having a solid rookie season on the LPGA and is deserving of a spot on the team.

"Since turning professional, Mimi has impressed me with her performances, winning three times on the LET last year and has played on the LPGA Tour. She is an experienced matchplay player and is a fierce competitor."