5 worst performers at the 2024 Solheim Cup ft. Lexi Thompson
The 2024 Solheim Cup just wrapped up with the US winning the title for the first time since 2017. It was a special win for the side, achieving the feat in front of their home crowd at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia.
The 2024 Solheim Cup saw some terrific performances from both teams with the likes of Charley Hull, Madelen Sagstorm, Celine Boutier, Meghan Khang, and Lauren Coughlin among others. However, the MVP of the tournament was undoubtedly Rose Zhang with four wins and no losses.
The US dominated Europe from the start, eventually winning 15.5-12.5. But like in every tournament, both sides incurred some serious and unexpected follies. Some golfers had it rough on the field this past weekend, but the unpredictability is what makes a match thrilling.
So, here's looking at the five worst players in the 2024 Solheim Cup:
5 worst performers at the 2024 Solheim Cup
1) Ally Ewing
Although on the winning team, US golfer Ally Ewing was statistically one of the worst performers on the field at the 2024 Solheim Cup. Ewing suffered four losses and clinched no victories. The 31-year-old had automatically qualified for the tournament. Although she was a tough challenger to Charley Hull and Esther Henselheit in their foursomes contest, her efforts eventually didn't come to fruition.
2) Linn Grant
European player Linn Grant had a rather forgettable Solheim Cup campaign. She sustained four losses against zero wins. The Swedish golfer had automatically qualified for the tournament after consistent performances over the season. She also picked up her second DP World Tour event title at the Scandinavian Mixed. Although she tried to mount a comeback in her singles match against Jennifer Kupcho, she couldn't replicate that brilliance at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
3) Lexi Thompson
US player Lexi Thompson was one of the captain's picks for the 2024 Solheim Cup. The 29-year-old hadn't been in the best of forms in quite some time. She had even talked about stepping away from a full competitive schedule a few months before her selection at the Solheim Cup.
Her selection by captain Stacy Lewis came as a surprise as Thompson was 14th in the standings and not in contention. However, it was probably her experience at previous Solheim Cups coupled with a consistent play in the summer that led to her selection as a wildcard. However, Lexi Thompson had a below-average performance in Virginia, with one win and three losses. In any case, her team did go on to win the title.
4) Carlota Ciganda
European golfer Carlota Ciganda had been a key player in taking her team to victory at the previous Solheim Cup in Spain. She had won her singles round against Nelly Korda in her home country, right in front of the King of Spain.
However, the Spaniard's campaign this year was lukewarm with three losses and one win. Although her win with Emily Pederson in the fourball gave some hope to Europe going into the singles round the next day, that flame flickered out soon. She had automatically qualified for the Solheim Cup.
5) Albane Valenzuela
European golfer Albane Valenzuela played only two matches at the 2024 Solheim Cup. Paired with Celine Boutier, she lost her foursomes match on the first day. As her bad luck would have it, she wasn't picked for the rest of the sessions. She didn't return to play until her singles fixture against Lilia Vu.
Sitting her out could have cost Europe a lot, as the 26-year-old shot a magnificent six-under to halve with Vu. Her performance in the final round was excellent. The match was eventually tied and as the US enjoyed a lead already, they took home the title. She was the captain's pick this year and could have contributed to turning the game around.