Leona Maguire omitted from Solheim Cup opening foursomes

Ireland's Leona Maguire is a surprise omission from Europe’s opening foursomes session as they begin their Solheim Cup defence in Virginia on Friday.

The Cavan woman has the best record of Europe’s current Solheim Cup team with victories in seven of her 10 matches in the competition.

The 29-year-old was the star of Europe’s last win in the United States, claiming four and a half points in Toledo in 2021, but has struggled for form this year, missing the cut in three of her five majors.

It marks the first time Maguire will sit out a session in her Solheim Cup career

Europe captain Suzann Pettersen has opted for Charley Hull and European debutant Esther Henseleit to lead Europe off at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on Friday morning.

The pair will tee off against against the world No 1 Kelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz.

Pettersen opted to put both of her rookies out in the first session, with Switzerland’s Albane Valenzuela partnering France’s Celine Boutier against Rose Zhang and Lauren Coughlin in match two.

Emily Pedersen and Maja Stark will then face Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho before Linn Grant and Carlota Ciganda take on world number two Lilia Vu and rookie Sarah Schmelzel in the final match.

Tee times for the first session of the 19th Solheim Cup on Friday.

Foursomes

1205 (Irish time) Charley Hull and Esther Henseleit v Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz

1217 Celine Boutier and Albane Valenzuela v Rose Zhang and Lauren Coughlin

1229 Emily Pedersen and Maja Stark v Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho

1241 Linn Grant and Carlota Ciganda v Lilia Vu and Sarah Schmelzel

Additional reporting: PA