Europe changes Solheim Cup selection procedure

Defeats in the last two Solheim Cup matches have resulted in changes to the way Europe select their side.

After talks between new captain Alison Nicholas and the Ladies European Tour’s cup committee, points will be awarded to players finishing in the top 20 rather than just the top 10 at the four majors – plus the Evian Masters.

For her three wild cards, Nicholas will not be restricted to players who have competed in six European events over the two-year qualification period.

Also, any LET ranking tournament with a prize fund of at least €750,000 will offer 1.5 times the standard distribution of points – previously it was €500,000 – and next year all ranking events other than the majors will change from having twice the number of points on offer as this year to 1.5 times as many.

Nicholas, who will be in charge at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois next year, said: “I felt that changes were needed, and the fact that I can pick someone who hasn’t played in six (LET) events will give me a lot more options.

“Giving points to the top 20 players in the majors will also benefit the European side. It’s a great achievement to get into the top 20 of a major, so I think that will also assist in strengthening the team.

“Everyone says we have a difficult task, which we have. But I don’t believe it’s impossible to win in America – and I think these changes will help.”

As last year, when they lost 16-12 in Sweden, the European team will comprise five players from the points list, the next highest four players on the Rolex Women’s World Rankings and three captain’s selections.

America lead the series 7-3 and have never been beaten on home soil.