The Ultimate Guide to Catching Every Exciting Moment of the 2023 Solheim Cup: Start Time, Channels, and Essential Tips

Get ready for an exhilarating ride as the Solheim Cup returns.

After a heart-wrenching 13-15 loss on home soil in Ohio two years ago, Stacy Lewis, the captain of the United States team, and her talented squad arrive at Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Andalucia, Spain, with an intense determination to foil Europe's bid for an unprecedented third consecutive victory.

European captain Suzann Pettersen sees the upcoming Solheim Cup as a chance to enhance her already impressive record and narrow the deficit. Out of the 17 matches held since the inaugural event in Lake Nona, Florida in 1990, the United States currently holds a 10-7 lead. As Friday approaches, the competition intensifies.

How to watch

Golf Channel and Peacock are handling coverage in the US, broadcasting from 2 a.m.ET on Friday and Saturday, then from 5 a.m. ET for Sundays deciding day.

UK viewers can watch the action on We Golf, as they will be airing the first two days of play starting at 6:30 a.m. BST. The coverage on Sundays will begin at 9 a.m. BST.

For additional details on how to watch, please visit the LPGA website.

The format

Two teams of 12, three days of action, 28 points up for grabs.

The opening ceremony will take place at the Marbella Arena, which is nearby, starting at 5 p.m. BST (12 p.m. ET) on Thursday. Following that, the morning session of foursomes matches will begin at 7:10 a.m. BST (2:10 a.m. ET) on Friday. In the foursomes format, also known as alternate shot, two golfers form a team and take turns hitting the same ball while competing against another pair.

Each match at the tournament is worth one point, with the points halved in the event of a tie.

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Starting from 12:40 p.m. BST (7:40 a.m. ET), the four-ball games commence. Once again, it follows a two vs. two format, but this time, each golfer plays with their own ball. The lowest score between the two players is the one recorded for that particular hole, which is why it is also known as four-ball better-ball (4BBB).

The schedule consists of eight foursome matches and eight four-ball matches, which are repeated on Saturday before the singles contests, concluding on Sunday. The straight shoot-out matches will begin at 10:10 a.m. BST (5:10 a.m. ET), with all team members competing for points.

When the dust settles, the team that accumulates the highest number of points emerges victorious. In the event of a tie, the defending team, which is Europe in this case, maintains possession of the trophy. Despite numerous closely fought battles, the Solheim Cup's 33-year history has never witnessed a tie.

The ninth green at Finca Cortesin.

Alex Todd/Sportpix/SIPA USA/AP

Team Europe: Project three-peat

Captain: Suzann Pettersen

Non-participating vice-captains include Laura Davies and Caroline Martens. Meanwhile, the following players are automatic selections: Céline Boutier, Maja Stark, Charley Hull, Leona Maguire, Georgia Hall, Linn Grant, Carlota Ciganda, and Anna Nordqvist (serving as a playing vice-captain).

Captains selections: Madelene Sagström, Gemma Dryburgh, Emily Kristine Pedersen, Caroline Hedwall.

With the advantage of playing on their home turf and under the leadership of one of the most seasoned players in the tournament, Europe will be optimistic about securing their third consecutive victory.

Norways Pettersen fell just short of Laura Davies' all-time record with nine appearances as a player at the event, participating in a total of 36 matches and achieving a commendable 18-12-6 record. Among her memorable moments, four of her outings resulted in victories, with her final Solheim Cup appearance in 2019 at Gleneagles culminating in a captivating walk-off birdie to secure a triumph for Europe.

Pettersen celebrates sinking the winning putt of the 2019 Solheim Cup.

Peter Morrison/AP

Maguire, an Irish player, told reporters on Tuesday that her impressive leadership style and unbeatable record make them highly motivated to win for her.

She has been outstanding this week, displaying exceptional openness and transparency. She maintains constant communication regarding her considerations on pairings and other matters, actively seeking our input and prioritizing the team's best interests.

However, ultimately, our success relies on our ability to make shots, which is beyond her control. Nonetheless, she has demonstrated remarkable proficiency thus far.

In Céline Boutier, the captain can rely on a 2023 major champion; the French star oozing with confidence after a dominant victory on home turf at the Evian Championship in July. The 29-year-old, Europe's highest-ranked player at world No. 5, also boasts an impressive Solheim Cup track record: two wins from two appearances and a match record of 5-1-1.

France's Celine Boutier participated in the Evian Championship, a major women's LPGA golf tournament held in Evian-les-Bains, located in the French Alps on July 29, 2023. The photograph was captured by Fabrice Coffrini and is part of the AFP/Getty Images collection.

Céline Boutier dominates Evian Championship to become first Frenchwoman to win a major on home soil

Does that add any pressure to maintain a flawless run? Not for Boutier.

"I don't believe we are currently overly concerned about the expectations," she remarked. "Our primary focus is to adequately prepare ourselves. We are striving to determine the ideal combinations and make the most out of the partnerships we have, both in support and opposition. Ultimately, I think it is best to prioritize and address the outcomes at a later stage."

"We can only give our best and I feel like we should be pretty satisfied if everything goes according to the plan."

Boutier playing a shot in The Solheim Cup practice on September 19 in Casares, Spain.

Angel Martinez/Getty Images

World No. 8 Hull brings another golfer into the top 10 rankings and adds a player with impressive Solheim Cup experience. She has achieved victory in three out of her five appearances at the tournament, becoming the youngest player to ever compete in a Solheim Cup when she won on her debut in 2013.

Team Europe brings three Solheim Cup rookies to Andalucia in Dryburgh, Grant, and Stark, which is two less than the United States' five.

Team USA: Revenge tour

Captain: Stacy Lewis

Non-participating vice-captains: Morgan Pressel, Natalie Gulbis, Angela Stanford

Selected automatically: Lilia Vu, Nelly Korda, Allisen Corpuz, Megan Khang, Jennifer Kupcho, Danielle Kang, Andrea Lee, Lexi Thompson, Rose Zhang

Captains picks: Ally Ewing, Angel Yin

Lewis will be determined to halt the losing slide and can call on a star-studded arsenal of talent in her attempt to do so.

The visitors dominate Europe in terms of form and silverware. Leading the charge is Vu, the second-ranked player in the world and a two-time major winner this year. Accompanying her is Corpuz, the 2023 US Open champion. Korda and Kupcho, both within the top 10 in the world rankings, further strengthen the US team with their recent major victories.

Theres also a wealth of Solheim Cup experience in the ranks, with Thompson making her sixth appearance.

"It means the world to me to be able to play in the Solheim Cup," Thompson said.

Every year, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to compete in the most prestigious tournament, representing my country. Being a part of that team is my ultimate aspiration, as it allows me to proudly showcase my national pride. Without a doubt, it is my favorite event, filled with unrivaled excitement.

There is no experience quite like waking up, adorning my country's colors, and joining a team to represent and stand united.

Lewis looks on during a practice round.

Half of the team, including Vu, Corpuz, Knight, Lee, and Zhang, will be making their senior Solheim Cup debut in Spain. However, Kang remains unfazed by any potential impact on their performance due to their lack of experience.

Rose Zhang from the United States participates in the Evian Championship, a prominent women's LPGA major golf tournament held in Evian-les-Bains, French Alps, on July 27, 2023. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

Rose Zhang is juggling her golf career and studying at Stanford - with a little help from Tiger Woods

Zhang stands out as a perfect illustration of how being a rookie doesn't hinder success. Despite being just 20 years old and a student at Stanford University, she has had an exceptional first season on the LPGA Tour since becoming a professional in May. She made a historic winning debut and achieved top-10 finishes at three major tournaments.

"Our team is incredibly robust, whether they are rookies or veterans. They have been consistently playing outstanding golf this year. We have multiple major champions," Kang commented.

Regardless of whether someone is a rookie or has been on the Solheim Cup team for the third time, each player demonstrates leadership qualities and possesses a unique approach to their game. Witnessing this is truly inspiring, regardless of the individual's identity. I draw great inspiration from my entire team.