Hedwall named Solheim Cup wildcard
Caroline Hedwall is one of four wildcard selections for the Solheim Cup confirmed by Europe's captain Carin Koch.
Sweden's Hedwall did not automatically qualify due to a lacklustre season, but was picked based on her pedigree as a former Ladies European Tour Player of the Year.
Hedwall also has a superb record in the Solheim Cup. She was part of winning teams in 2011 and 2013 and became the first player in history to win all five points from as many matches two years ago.
"I'm just really excited about it. After my last two tournaments I wasn't expecting anything and when Carin called I was really happy because I love the Solheim Cup and I'm really pumped to get to Germany and play," she said.
"I love that team and I'm really excited to get back to Europe. When I played in the Ladies European Tour event in Germany the crowds were really good and comparable with those in Sweden."
The other three wildcard picks are Frenchwoman Karine Icher, Germany's Caroline Masson and Catriona Matthew of Scotland, who will make her eighth appearance in the event.
"I've been lucky enough to play in a few Solheim Cups and it's the highlight," Matthew told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I played in my first Solheim Cup in 1998 and you thought it was huge then, but it's just got bigger and bigger as the years have gone on.
"And with us winning in Colorado, the first time we've won in the States, I think it's bigger than ever this year."
The four wild card picks join Suzann Pettersen (Norway), Gwladys Nocera (France), Charley Hull and Melissa Reid (both England), Anna Nordqvist (Sweden), Sandra Gal (Germany), Carlota Ciganda and Azahara Munoz (both Spain) in Koch's 12-strong team.
"We've got a great mixture of youth and experience which really excites me as captain," Koch said.
"Each of our players has a role to play and I have a team of stars."
The Solheim Cup between Europe and the United States, the women's equivalent of the Ryder Cup, takes place from September 18-20 at the Leon-Rot club near Heidelberg, Germany.
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy and Ian Poulter off to nightmare start at Ryder Cup
But Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia were going rather better in their foursomes match at Whistling Straits.
-
NewsHostility in short supply as Europe tee off in the 43rd Ryder Cup
Visiting side have been on a charm offensive.
-
NewsSergio Garcia and Jon Rahm hit back after shaky Ryder Cup start
Home crowed were whipped into a frenzy as the tournament started.
-
NewsRyder Cup under way in front of raucous crowd at Whistling Straits
The biennial match between the United States and Europe was originally due to take place last year but was postponed by 12 months due to the pandemic.
-
Ryder CupWho will win the Ryder Cup? What the writers and experts say
Planet Sport gets the thoughts of 22 journalists from both sides of the Atlantic as the showdown at Whistling Straits looms
-
Ryder CupRyder Cup tips: USA to win, Jordan Spieth and Shane Lowry to shine
The wait is finally over. The Ryder Cup is back and Planet Sport tipster Jack Kelliher has some tasty selections ahead of the big event.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington praises spirit in Team Europe as Ryder Cup begins
World number one Jon Rahm will be sent out in the first match for the second Ryder Cup in succession.
-
NewsFocus on the 43rd Ryder Cup between the United States and Europe
The competition will kick off with Justin Thomas and Jordan Speith taking on Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm.
-
NewsEuropean fans outnumbered but ready to ‘make a bit of noise’ at Ryder Cup
Irish father and son Padraig and Stephen Carr were among the handful of travelling supporters at Whistling Straits on Thursday.
-
NewsUnited States fire up home supporters by launching T-shirts into crowd
US vice-captain Jim Furyk began the fun by leading chants of ‘USA’ with accompanying actions for each letter.