Alison Lee will put the 2015 Solheim Cup controversy aside as she looks ahead to representing Team USA for the second time.
Alison Lee’s return to the Solheim Cup comes after a challenging nine-year journey that has seen highs and lows, but she is back and eager to make an impact. As she prepares for the 2024 Solheim Cup, the emotions are running high – from the joy of making the team to reflecting on the infamous incident involving European captain Suzann Pettersen in 2015.
Lee’s journey to the Solheim Cup team this year wasn’t without its hurdles. She expressed her excitement and relief after securing her spot on her own merits this time around. “Yeah, it means so much,” she said. “I was really hoping on relying on a captain's pick last year, and that didn't happen, so I did everything I could to make sure I got on the team on my own this year, and thankfully I did.”
Rookie on tour and at the Solheim Cup
Her rookie year on the LPGA coincided with her rookie appearance at the 2015 Solheim Cup. Despite a promising start to her professional career, Lee has faced the heartache of losing her card multiple times. However, she persevered, clawing her way back to the top, making her selection this year all the more meaningful. “Nine years later since my rookie year and playing on my first Solheim Cup team, to be back here and make it on the team means so much, and I'm really excited to play this week,” she reflected.
One of the most significant aspects of Lee’s return is the chance to play on home soil, surrounded by family and friends. “Last time I played in this was in Germany, and I didn't have any family over there with me. So it does mean so much,” she shared. Having her loved ones nearby this time around adds an emotional layer to her return, making it even more special.
While Lee is ecstatic to be back on the team, she acknowledged that the experience feels almost like being a rookie again, given the long gap since her last appearance. But this time, there’s a sense of familiarity. “Paula [Creamer] was on the team with me [in 2015]. All the captains and assistant captains for us this year were on the team with me, so I do have a little bit of familiarity there,” she explained. Lee also emphasised how different this experience feels now that she’s formed stronger bonds with her teammates and gained years of experience on tour. “Even though it's only my second time, I do feel like a veteran out here because I've been on Tour for so long.”
Putting the 2015 controversy behind her
Of course, the shadow of the 2015 controversy with Suzann Pettersen still lingers. Lee, then a rookie, found herself in the middle of a contentious incident when Pettersen disputed a conceded putt, sparking outrage and a heated debate about sportsmanship. When asked how much the incident is on her mind today, Lee candidly admitted, “I'm not going to lie, I don't think about it too often. It was a very long time ago. I would say in the moment it was tough. I was very intimidated at the time.”
Though the memory of that day remains, Lee has since moved on, and she’s grateful for the support she received from her teammates back then. “Regardless of everything that happened, I feel like I was so lucky to have a great group of women around me who could support me and be there for me,” she said, recalling how the U.S. team rallied behind her in the wake of the controversy.
As for her current relationship with Pettersen, Team Europe’s Captain, Lee admits there hasn’t been much interaction. “I mean, I'm not going to lie, I haven't really talked to her at all since then,” she said.
Lexi and Lee bringing the good vibes
Looking ahead, Lee is focused on the present and eager to contribute to Team USA’s success. With Lexi Thompson and Lee being the only players on the 2024 squad who have experienced a Solheim Cup victory, Lee playfully added, “Maybe that's what this team needed is Lexi and me, and hopefully we got some good mojo going into this weekend.”
For Alison Lee, her return to the Solheim Cup is about more than redemption or past controversies. It’s a celebration of perseverance, a chance to prove her place among the best, and an opportunity to soak in every moment of playing for her country once again.
Women & Golf will be reporting direct from Robert Trent Jones Golf Club - find out more about the 2024 Solheim Cup here.