Ireland's Maguire returns for fourth Solheim Cup as a captain's pick

Ireland's Leona Maguire will compete in her fourth Solheim Cup after European captain Anna Nordqvist named her as one of the wildcard picks on Monday. Maguire, currently ranked 83rd in the world, joins three rookies, Spain's Julia Lopez Ramirez, England's Mimi Rhodes, and France's Nastasia Nadaud, on the captain's selections for the September clash against the United States in the Netherlands.

Maguire's inclusion comes despite a recent dip in form, having missed four cuts in her last six tournaments. The other three rookies selected are also outside the top 80 in the world rankings. "I love the Solheim Cup, it brings the best out of my game and I love being part of the team," Maguire stated, expressing her enthusiasm for the event.

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I love the Solheim Cup, it brings the best out of my game and I love being part of the team.

Captain Nordqvist highlighted Maguire's proven track record in the Solheim Cup. "Leona has proved herself at the Solheim Cup, she has a huge passion for the European team and her record speaks for itself," Nordqvist said. "She is a player you want on your team, especially in match play, and I'm thrilled to pick her." The biennial event, scheduled for September 11-13 at Bernardus Golf Club, will see Europe attempting to reclaim the trophy after their defeat on home soil in 2024.

Automatic qualification for the European team concluded after Sunday's British Open. Eight players secured their spots through either the European Tour points list or world rankings. These include England's Lottie Woad, Charley Hull, Germany's Esther Henseleit, Sweden's Maja Stark and Linn Grant, France's Celine Boutier, Spain's Carlota Ciganda, and Denmark's Nanna Koerstz-Madsen. U.S. captain Angela Stanford is set to announce her team following the CPKC Women's Open in Edmonton, scheduled from August 20-23.

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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 match play, and I'm thrilled to pick her.