Anna Nordqvist Names Mimi Rhodes and Leona Maguire Among Europe's Solheim Cup Wildcards

Posted : 03 August 2026

European Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist has completed her 12-player squad for next month's showdown against the United States by naming England's Mimi Rhodes and Ireland's Leona Maguire among her four captain's wildcard selections. Spain's Julia Lopez Ramirez and France's Nastasia Nadaud also received call-ups, with all three joining the competition as debutants, while Maguire prepares for her fourth appearance.

Maguire earned her place despite a difficult run of form that included four missed cuts in her last six tournaments and a slide down the world rankings. However, Nordqvist placed her faith in the Irish golfer's outstanding Solheim Cup record, where she has amassed eight wins, one half and only three defeats in 12 matches. The European captain described Maguire as an invaluable match-play competitor whose passion and experience make her a vital member of the team.

Maguire welcomed the selection, saying the Solheim Cup consistently brings out the best in her game. She expressed her excitement at representing Europe for a fourth time and competing in front of home supporters as the continent attempts to reclaim the trophy after its defeat to the United States two years ago.

Rhodes, meanwhile, will make her Solheim Cup debut after an impressive rise through the professional ranks. The English golfer, who starred in Great Britain and Ireland's Curtis Cup victory in 2024, has already secured three Ladies European Tour titles.

Although her recent form has been inconsistent, Nordqvist praised her competitive mentality, match-play experience and ability to thrive under pressure. Rhodes described her selection as a dream come true and said she was honoured to represent Europe so early in her professional career.

Lopez Ramirez and Nadaud complete the list of captain's picks. The Spanish rookie has impressed during her early years on both the Ladies European Tour and LPGA Tour, while France's Nadaud has continued her rapid progress after winning the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España and making the cut in all five major championships this season.

Nordqvist said both players had earned their places through strong performances and would bring enthusiasm and quality to the team.

The wildcard selections mean Europe will field four debutants after England's Lottie Woad secured automatic qualification. The remainder of the squad includes Charley Hull, Esther Henseleit, Maja Stark, Linn Grant, Céline Boutier, Carlota Ciganda and Nanna Koerstz Madsen. Team USA captain Angela Stanford is set to unveil her squad later this month ahead of the Solheim Cup, which will be played at Bernardus Golf Club in the Netherlands from Sept. 11 to 13.

Anna Nordqvist Names Mimi Rhodes and Leona Maguire Among Europe's Solheim Cup Wildcards

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