Gwladys Nocera is to captain the European Team at the 2023 PING Junior Solheim Cup, which will take place from 18-19 September at La Zagaleta in Spain.
Nocera is also no stranger to the Solheim Cup, having represented Europe on four occasions previously at the 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2015 editions. Since wrapping up her professional career, the 14-time LET winner has been working at the French Golf Federation and coaching the French National Team, who have had recent success winning the European Girls’ Team Championship in 2022.
“It is a great honour to have been asked to be the next Captain of the PING Junior Solheim Cup and it is with great pride that I agreed to lead the European Team,” said Nocera. “I will put all my heart into this role in order to make this week unforgettable for the girls. I know from the bottom of my heart what this event brings to the players, the fans, the parents, the coaches and to all the people who love golf. Thank you to the Solheim family for making this event one of the best things that ever happened to junior golf. Let’s go girls!”
Twelve of Europe’s best young female golfers between the age of 12 and 18 will battle against the US Team on the Old Course and look to defend their title which they won in Ohio in 2021. The European team will be made up of the leading six players from the PING Junior Solheim Cup ranking who will be automatically selected, while there will also be six Captain’s picks based on performances at leading amateur events and the European Women’s Amateur Ranking.
John Solheim, Executive Chairman PING, said: “We are delighted that Gwladys will be captain for the European Team at the 2023 PING Junior Solheim Cup. She has a fantastic affinity with Team Europe having played in four Solheim Cups and has a true passion for the game of golf. She has worked with juniors for the past five years and know she will be excellent in this role and we wish her the best of luck as Europe look to defend their title.”
First played in 2002, the US currently holds a 7.5-3.5 lead in the competition.
