BBC Solheim Cup: US need 12 Lexi Thompsons against Europe says captain Stacy Lewis

The way she is with the crowd and the fans, this event is Lexi to a tee. She plays better golf here and gets more excited to play golf here. She’s going to do whatever it takes to win and I wish I had 12 of her.”

Thompson has won 15 times since turning professional in 2010 and secured her only major title in the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship – now renamed the Chevron Championship.

In the Solheim Cup she has claimed 12½ points from her 23 matches, including three from four in last year’s thrilling 14-14 draw in Spain that saw Europe retain the trophy.

“She’s one of those you could literally pair with anybody,” Lewis added.

“It’s a massive void [losing her]. Whoever is the next captain needs to get her as an assistant, that’s all I can say. Lexi needs to be there in the team room. She needs to be around these girls. She’s just great energy to have around.”

Thompson, who has been a fixture for the US since making her debut in 2013, admitted she would be keen on such a role in the future.

“I’d love to be still a part of it in any way just because I know how special it’s been for me,” she said.

“[I am] learning off the assistants and Stacy of course, and I know there’s a lot that goes into it. I’ll have to make sure I’m ready for that [but] I’m focusing on the golf part of it right now.”