Albane Valenzuela is bound to have mixed feelings following her first experience of the Solheim Cup last week at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
Valenzuela was one of Suzann Pettersen‘s captain picks for the Solheim Cup, with the Swiss one of two rookies on the European side heading to Gainesville, along with Esther Henseleit.
Unfortunately for Valenzuela, she only featured in two sessions during the week. Along with Celine Boutier, Valenzuela was beaten on Friday morning by Lauren Couglin and Rose Zhang – who, as it would turn out, would prove to be arguably two of the USA’s three most impressive players.
Much of the focus was on Pettersen’s decision to sit Leona Maguire out of both sessions on Saturday, but Valenzuela would also not hit a single shot on the second day as Europe looked to fight their way back into the event.
Albane Valenzuela issues verdict on the American crowds at the Solheim Cup
Pettersen would put Valenzuela and Maguire in the final four spots in the singles, knowing that the visitors had to get off to a flyer to stand any chance at all. Remarkably however, as Valenzuela reached the final hole in her match with Lilia Vu, it appeared that Europe still had a slim chance of retaining the trophy.
Valenzuela had been two up with two to play, but Vu fought back superbly. And when she put her approach on 18 incredibly close, Valenzuela knew that only a birdie for herself was likely to prevent Stacy Lewis’ side from getting across the line. Unfortunately, she would go on to lose the hole, and the US would get their hands on the trophy for the first time since 2017.
Nevertheless, speaking at the Kroger Queen City Championship, Valenzuela suggested that she largely has fond memories from the week.
“Yeah, I mean, it was such a blessing. Playing in the Solheim was a dream come true and the crowds on Sunday were crazy. I was definitely a little bit tired of hearing USA all the way. I’m excited to go to Europe next,” she said.
“But it was awesome. I think it just actually energized me a ton. Had an outing on Monday so that was a little bit of a toll for early in the week.
“But overall, I feel great. It’s been so fun playing in Solheim. I think it just made me love what I do even more. Just it’s such a great job to have. I feel very fortunate.”
The Swiss is proving a point at the Kroger Queen City Championship
The 26-year-old clearly holds no bitterness towards Pettersen’s decision to leave her out of three sessions over the week. Maguire suggested that she still has a good relationship with Pettersen, and it appears that it is a similar case with Valenzuela.
But there must be a small part of Valenzuela who feels that she is proving a point this week, as she sits tied for fourth in Ohio, four shots back of the lead with one round to go as she chases the first win of her LPGA Tour career.
It would be a surprise if Pettersen remained as captain for Netherlands in two years, but having had a taste of playing in a Solheim Cup now, Valenzuela will surely be desperate to do all she can between now and 2026 to force her way back on the team – where she will certainly get to hear plenty more European shouts.
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