Photo: DR

The players who qualify for the LET team come from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Nocera from the Basque Country, 4 Solheim Cup veteran and 14 times LET winner and lowest score in LET history with (-29) in 4 rounds, quickly gained the respect of her team.

“I think everyone is very happy and proud to represent LET as a member of their team. It's a fantastic way to end the year playing together in such a fun and enjoyable tournament ”said Nocera.

The LET team proud to represent the Tour

The French captain will be joined in Japan by Lee-Anne Pace, Mel Reid, Florentyna Parker, Holly Clyburn, Olafia Kristinsdottir, Felicity Johnson, Annabel Dimmock and Carly Booth. Qualifying for the event has been the number one goal for many players since the start of the year.

Parker, who made his Solheim Cup debut as a member of the European squad in Des Moines, Iowa this summer, commented: “I loved playing here last year and it was my goal to come back here. It's my favorite annual event ”.

“Every year my goal is to come here. I have been coming for two years and really liked it. It's a year-end bonus, which means you've had a good season. You have the best players of all Tours coming into team competition, it's a great experience to make friends. "

Photo: DR

All for one, one for all

Team sport is all about fun, friendship and fond memories, so there is no need to wonder why players love the unique bond of being on a team.

This year, it will be the first time for 6 players in the LET team: Pace (South Africa), Clyburn (England), Kristinsdottir (Iceland), Johnson (England), Dimmock (England) and Booth (Scotland).

Dimmock commented: “The last time I played for a team was at the Junior Ryder Cup at Gleneagle in 2014. It's been a really long time since I had the opportunity to be on a team and there is has good cohesion in ours, which is good. I think everyone is relaxed, there are a lot of jokes between us. Even the caddies are involved, I think that's cool. "

Kristinsdottir added: “I've never played for an international team so far but it seems to me that the last team event I participated in was to represent Iceland in 2014 at the World Amateur Team Championships in Karuizawa, Japan. Japan is one of my favorite countries. The food is great, the people are great and honest, and the scenery is cool. I find that cool, because usually we compete against each other while now we are for each other. You're still friends, but it's different and you bond stronger friendships as part of a team. "

Clyburna said: “The last time I played for a team was at the UL International Crown last summer. It was great to be around friends and to team up. The spirit is strong right now and Gwladys does a remarkable job letting us do what we want but keeping us together, especially at parties. "

Photo: DR

Booth added: “My last team event was in Holland. It was me, Kylie Walker and Laura Murray for Scotland. We won against England, Germany and Denmark. Prior to that, I also competed in team events when I was an amateur, the Curtis Cup and Home Internationals ”.

“It's good to play as a team, when you go professional you miss team spirit. It is an excitement shared by all. Golf is an individual sport that brings us together. "

“I'm an aggressive player and I get the buzz when I play in this kind of event. I think it brings out the best that is in me because it reminds me of when I was a little girl, with my face painted in the colors of Scotland, fearless, which you can afford when you be part of a team. "

Pace added: “The last time I played for a team was when I was an amateur, about 17 years ago. We have played in the Commonwealth and the World Team Championships in Puerto Rico and Malaysia. It was great fun, you get to know each other and bond. Florentyna and I played foursomes today at the driving range and loved it. I think we are a great team. Everyone is nice, including our captain, Gwladys. It's good to discover this facet of his personality. "

How it works

The Queens presented by Kowa is a three-day match-play event featuring four teams of nine players. Each team receives points according to their respective results, with 2 points per win, 1 point for a half and 0 for a loss. The format of play for the first day (Friday) will be the eight four-ball. the second day (Saturday) will feature 18 singles matches. The first and second days will be considered as qualifying rounds. Based on the results of the first two rounds, the third day (Sunday) will see the players of the two qualifying teams play a four-match foursome final, as well as a “third place final” between the third and fourth placed teams. also played on four matches in foursome.