Inside the Ropes at the Solheim Cup with Mina Harigae

Mina Harigae played on the American side in her first Solheim Cup in 2021 at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio. Europe won 15-13 and Harigae went 1-2-0 in her matches, picking up a point during the second day’s fourball matches with partner Yealimi Noh. 

Harigae took the time to talk about that experience and make predictions for this year’s Solheim Cup in Andalucía, Spain.

‍How do you reflect on the last Solheim Cup at Inverness two years ago? 

MH: I can't believe it was already two years ago. It was one of the best weeks of my life. It was so much fun representing my country and playing with the girls on the team. It was just an awesome week. I hope the rookies this year will really enjoy their time over in Spain.

‍What was your favorite moment from that week?

MH: It was winning a point with Yealimi Noh in our fourball match. It's super cool that I got to contribute a point to our team. I played really well in that match. I always remember two shots: I stuck a pitching wedge to three feet on, maybe 14, and I also made a 35 footer on number 9. The crowd was so loud I couldn’t hear Travis (husband/caddie) or myself speak.

‍How nerve-racking was it? 

MH: It was very nerve-racking the whole week. The anticipation. The crowds were amazing. Even though I was nervous, I was able to play through that. It was almost like the noise kind of went away as soon as the match started. It was like, ok, we have a job to do.

‍What surprised you about playing on a Solheim Cup team? 

MH: There was a lot more effort into finding the right partner for you, I guess. Just because you’re really good friends with someone doesn’t necessarily mean you match up well with their game. Especially in alternate shot. The amount of effort and knowledge that goes into finding a partner you can play well with (was surprising).

Stacy (Lewis) is using strokes gained stats this year but last time it was purely based on pods. We weren’t going to play with anyone outside of our pod, which I didn’t necessarily like. I do like the pod system because it’s easier for captains and assistant captains to manage, but I didn’t really like how I couldn’t play with other people. I hardly saw other people in practice rounds. My pod had Lexi Thompson, Brittney Altomare and Yealimi Noh. I played with Yealimi and Lexi (in matches). 

‍How would you advise yourself if you could go back prior to the start of the last Cup?

MH: I thought I did a fairly good job of asking for advice from other players. In a regular tournament you try not to be amped up, but (in Solheim Cup) it’s hard not to be amped up. I asked – the first tee is like the biggest moment, what do you do?

Austin Ernst told me the advice she got that worked really well. On the first tee, she goes, tee up your driver, take two practice swings as hard as you can, and then hit your drive and also try to swing hard. She said if you try to slow down it’s not going to go well. 

Then Ally Ewing told me to embrace everything. She told me her regret in her first Solheim was she was so wrapped up in getting a point, she wasn’t really able to embrace the moment, the energy, and the fans. So she was like, "it’s a different week, just roll with it and embrace all it has to offer."

It’s a busy week. It’s stressful and there’s so many functions. If I could go back I would tell myself to really make use of the downtime. To rest as much as I can. 

‍How do the teams stack up to each other this year?

MH: I haven’t done a deep dive but just intuition-wise, I feel like both teams are a lot closer together. I think it’s going to be a really fun and tight match this year. I think the teams stack up really well. 

‍Who are the players you expect to have big performances? 

MH: Obviously, Rose Zhang. Lilia Vu – she’s had a great year. Allisen Corpuz – she’s so even-keel and calm. I think she’s perfect for these things. Andrea Lee – she putts it so well. I think she can really piss off her opponents. 

‍How do you think having so many Solheim Cup rookies on the American side will affect the team’s play? 

MH: For some reason, I don’t think the inexperience affects this team. They know they’re good. A lot of them are friends with each other. It’s not cliquey. They mesh really well and they’re all having a great time. Being a youthful team, they haven’t experienced as many scars. I think they’re bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. 

‍What do you think the final outcome will be? 

MH: I think the U.S. will win, but it will be very close. It will come down to the last ones. They’re on Europe’s home turf. It’s going to come down to the last one or two points. 

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