Solheim Cup: US need 12 Lexi Thompsons against Europe says captain Stacy Lewis

American captain Stacy Lewis says she wishes she had 12 players like Lexi Thompson as the United States attempt to win their first Solheim Cup since 2017.

Thompson, one of the biggest names in the women’s game over the past decade has been selected as one of Lewis’ three wildcard picks for the match against Europe at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, which begins on Friday.

The 29-year-old is making her seventh and final appearance in the competition after announcing her retirement from full-time golf, and Lewis, who played alongside Thompson in three previous editions says she has become synonymous with the event.

“Her legacy, is her and the Solheim Cup,” said Lewis.

“The way she is with the crowd and the fans, this event is Lexi to a tee. She plays better golf here and gets more excited to play golf here. She’s going to do whatever it takes to win and I wish I had 12 of her.”

Thompson has won 15 times since turning professional in 2010 and secured her only major title in the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship – now renamed the Chevron Championship.

In the Solheim Cup she has claimed 12½ points from her 23 matches, including three from four in last year’s thrilling 14-14 draw in Spain that saw Europe retain the trophy.

“She’s one of those you could literally pair with anybody,” Lewis added.

“It’s a massive void [losing her]. Whoever is the next captain needs to get her as an assistant, that’s all I can say. Lexi needs to be there in the team room. She needs to be around these girls. She’s just great energy to have around.”

Thompson, who has been a fixture for the US since making her debut in 2013, admitted she would be keen on such a role in the future.

“I’d love to be still a part of it in any way just because I know how special it’s been for me,” she said.

“[I am] learning off the assistants and Stacy of course, and I know there’s a lot that goes into it. I’ll have to make sure I’m ready for that [but] I’m focusing on the golf part of it right now.”