Friday Matches Are Out
Thursday afternoon, captains Juli Inkster and Annika Sorenstam announced their pairings for Friday morning’s foursome matches.
8:10 a.m. CT
Mel Reid and Charley Hall
Cristie Kerr and Lexi Thompson
8:22 a.m. CT
Carlota Ciganda and Caroline Masson
Danielle Kang and Lizette Salas
8:34 a.m. CT
Anna Nordqvist and Georgia Hall
Paula Creamer and Austin Ernst
8:46 a.m. CT
Karine Icher and Catriona Matthew
Stacy Lewis and Gerina Piller
Click here for a full preview of the morning matches.
Captains' Plans
Don’t see one of your favorites playing for Team USA on Friday morning? Don’t worry you’ll see them soon. As in, Friday afternoon soon. Captain Juli Inkster plans to play every one of her players on Friday, so Michelle Wie, Angel Yin, Brittany Lincicome and Brittany Lang will all see playing time Friday afternoon. But don’t expect to see anyone play all five matches, Inkster wants to make sure each of her players gets rest this week.
As for Team Europe? Captain Annika Sorenstam didn’t reveal whether she plans to play Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Florentyna Parker, Emily Kristine Pedersen or Madelene Sagstrom in the afternoon. Her priority Friday morning was getting more of her veterans out early to set the pace, specially Mel Reid and Charley Hull who were eager to go out first.
Thompson Feeling Good
After answering questions throughout the week concerning her ongoing virus, Lexi Thompson met with the media for the first time Thursday to dispel any concern she wouldn’t be well enough to compete this weekend.
“I'm doing better. I feel pretty good today and felt good yesterday. So one more good night's sleep and I'll be good to start up tomorrow,” Thompson said. “I've still been practicing, playing, but really just taking it easy, not grinding away on the golf course, but still out here swinging. But making sure I take the time back at the hotel and just relax my body and making sure I'm energized for the most important rounds coming up.”
But questions about her health continued to persist, so she gave one last reassurance for her fans.
“I'm not dying,” Thompson said laughing. “People, I'm not dying. Just a sore throat and a little congestion. I'm good, guys. I'm good.”
Rookie, Veteran Bonding
Anna Nordqvist, who has battled mono over the last month, skipped her Thursday press conference scheduled with fellow European teammate Jodi Ewart Shadoff. Throughout the week Nordqvist has rested in the afternoon to pace herself for the long weekend ahead. She practiced alongside rookie Georgia Hall on Thursday morning.
“There's lots of people that I would love to play with. Like I said, we all get along really well. There's a great team spirit in the locker room,” Hall told the media. “We had good fun out there, and she's played in many before. So she's experienced.”
Hall may be sharing more fun moments with Nordqvist this weekend. Captain Annika Sorenstam has left it up to her players to decide with whom they want to play during the matches and the pair will play together in the matches Friday morning.
Let the Games Begin
The opening ceremony was held Thursday afternoon at Des Moines Golf and Country Club, which marked the official start of the 2017 Solheim Cup. Captains Juli Inkster and Annika Sorenstam introduced their respective teams and celebrated with fans. Click here for TV times for this year's matches.
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