Lexi Thompson Given Solheim Cup Wild Card Pick

It came as no surprise that American Solheim Cup captain Stacy Lewis has given a wild-card pick to Lexi Thompson, who is retiring from full-time play at the end of this season.

Lewis has also selected Jennifer Kupcho and Sarah Schmelzel for the three-day competition, which is being held at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia from September 13-15.

They join automatic qualifiers Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Lauren Coughlin, Ally Ewing, Allisen Corpuz, Megan Khang, Andrea Lee, Rose Zhang and Alison Lee.

A delighted Thompson says being being given one of the three picks means the world to her as she prepares to make her seventh appearance in the event.

Lewis said: "It was a pretty easy decision to make. She’s somebody who is going to help the team out a lot, on the golf course and also off," Lewis added. "With her experience, everybody on the team's going to be watching what she does to try to learn from her."

Thompson has won 12½ points from her 23 matches, including three from four in last year’s 14-14 draw in Spain that saw Europe retain the trophy.

"To be able to represent my country, it's the highest honour that you can possibly have," said Thompson, who turned professional at the age of 15. "To be there again this year, especially Stateside, it's a dream come true."

Europe finalised its team on Monday, with captain Suzann Pettersen selecting Georgia Hall, Anna Nordqvist, Emily Pedersen and Albane Valenzuela as her picks.

England's Charley Hull and Esther Henseleit of Germany topped the Ladies European Tour Solheim Cup points list to confirm their places, while Ireland's Leona Maguire, France's Celine Boutier, Carlota Ciganda of Spain and Swedish trio Maja Stark, Linn Grant and Madelene Sagstrom qualified through their world rankings.

Europe will be looking to win the trophy for a fourth time in succession as the event moves back to even years in order to avoid clashing with the Ryder Cup.