The victorious European Team in Barsebäck, 2003

“It’s been very difficult to qualify over the past few years because of the high number of global playing opportunities and people play in so many different places. With this new method, more players can be included in the selection process but at the same time, the first five places on the team are given to the top players from the LET. For example, if Annika was World number one and also number one in Europe, then she would qualify through the LET, so the message is still first and foremost that players must support their home Tour.”

World no.1 Annika Sörenstam, who became the event’s all time points’ scorer at The 2005 Solheim Cup with 21 ½ points scored, was in favour of the new selection criteria.

“I have very much supported the changes to the selection criteria for The European Solheim Cup Team,” said Sörenstam. “I support the changes because of the growing number of LET players also competing on the LPGA. We most definitely need to take into consideration the performance of these players. This will make the team stronger long term, and will give us the chance to bring back The Cup!”