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Captain Koch names wildcards for Solheim Cup

Juli Inkster (left) will captain the USA against Carin Koch's (right) European team
Juli Inkster (left) will captain the USA against Carin Koch's (right) European team

Europe captain Carin Koch has named Karine Icher, Caroline Hedwall, Caroline Masson and Catriona Matthew as her four wildcard picks for next month's Solheim Cup against the United States.

Frenchwoman Icher, Swede Hedwall, German Masson and Scot Matthew join Suzann Pettersen, Gwladys Nocera, Charley Hull, Melissa Reid, Anna Nordqvist, Azahara Munoz, Sandra Gal and Carlota Ciganda in Koch's 12-strong team.

Europe are attempting to win the trophy for the third straight time in the biennial team event following their victories at Killeen Castle (2011) and Colorado Golf Club (2013).

The women's equivalent of the Ryder Cup will be held from 18-20 September at the St Leon-Rot Golf Club in Germany.

Koch, who will lead Europe for the first time, said: "We’ve got a great mixture of youth and experience which really excites me as captain.

"Each of our players has a role to play and I have a team of stars. Now the team is finalised we can all have full focus for the week in Germany and I can’t wait to see the players together at Golf Club St Leon-Rot."

Matthew, who gained the winning point at Barsebäck in Sweden in 2003 and secured the half that won the cup outright in Colorado, is the most experienced player in the team, along with Suzann Pettersen.

The 46-year-old from Scotland said: "Obviously I was delighted and very excited when Carin gave me the phone call and I can’t wait to play.

"It has always been my favourite event and to play as part of a team is so good. Since winning in Colorado my main aim has been to get in the team.

"As you get older, it gets harder to qualify but this will be my eighth one so it will be great to play at home and defend it hopefully."

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