Pedersen says Maguire is Europe's 'silent assassin' at Solheim Cup 

Team-mate Madelene Sagstrom also believes the American players will be wary of facing Maguire

Leona Maguire of team Europe plays a shot during practice prior to the The Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin Golf Club on September 21, 2023 in Casares, Spain. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Ireland's Leona Maguire has been hailed as a "silent assassin" by team-mate Emily Pedersen as Europe bid to win an unprecedented third straight Solheim Cup.

Maguire made her debut in the biennial contest in 2021 and enjoyed a starring role at Inverness Club in Toledo, winning a record four-and-a-half points from her five matches.

The 28-year-old's performance helped Catriona Matthew's underdogs retain the trophy and the home side have been installed as favourites to taste more success against the United States at Finca Cortesin in Spain.

Pedersen, who was somewhat of a surprise pick by captain Suzann Pettersen after dropping to 122nd in the world rankings, was full of praise for Maguire, who won her second LPGA Tour title earlier this year.

"She's kind of like a silent assassin," Pedersen said. "She's very calm and steady, but then last time I think she was the MVP (most valuable player) of the team.

"She made a lot of points, played a lot of matches. She's obviously super steady, and I think she will do great again.

"I think she holed out, like, two or three times today on a chip (in practice), so that's pretty good to see."

Team-mate Madelene Sagstrom believes the American players will be wary of facing Maguire, adding: "I've known her for a long time growing up. We've played a lot of junior golf together.

"You wouldn't want to meet her in match play, so I think nobody wants to meet her this week."

Maguire will play alongside Sweden's Anna Nordqvist against Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz in Friday morning's foursomes.

While Maguire will be making just her second appearance in the Solheim Cup, Nordqvist is not only playing for the eighth time, but also acting as one of Pettersen's assistant captains.

"I love press conferences so much so I get to do two this week," joked Nordqvist, who spoke alongside Pedersen and Sagstrom a day after being part of a press conference with the other assistants and Pettersen.

"No, I mean, it's definitely a little bit different role than I've had in the past. When I'm on the golf course, we have done a really good job and I'm just focusing on playing.

"Suzann has a great team with Laura (Davies) and Caroline (Martens) and she talked about it yesterday, about how transparent she's been, and I feel like this is the most open any captain's been.

"I do think she's taking communication to a whole different level within Team Europe, discussing with players what everyone feels comfortable with and who wants to play with who.

"So I feel like this week it's been a big team effort. We've got a lot of helpers and a lot of significant others, spouses here to support too.

"It's been a little bit extra, but I kind of knew that when I took on the role.

"For me, it's just been amazing being part of all the work. I'm very honoured to have both roles.

"Knowing that I play with all these players I feel like they're pretty comfortable coming up to me, giving us feedback where I can raise it to the other captains.

"So far I feel like I've done pretty well. I'm excited to play and I know everything is going to be handled when I'm on the course."

The USA bring five Solheim Cup rookies in a young squad whose age average is just 25, with five-timer Lexi Thompson badly out of form.

One of the rookies is 20-year-old Rose Zhang, who just turned pro in June. 

“Being in the Solheim Cup this year was certainly not one of the goals in mind,” Zhang said. “But the fact that it happened, I’m just super blessed to be alongside players that I’ve grown up watching and playing alongside them representing the red, white and blue.” 

Carlota Ciganda, the only Spaniard playing this weekend, agrees Europe have to start favourites.

“I do think obviously on paper, on the rankings, we have I think the strongest team ever. I mean, the top players, we have I think eight main players in the top 15 in the world, so that’s amazing.”