On paper then, the US team should walk it. But in many eyes, Europe are the favouties. Much to the dismay of the Americans, there are similarities between this year and 2013. None of that. We go out and handle our business and play the best golf it that we can.
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But a dramatic victory at Killeen Castle in 2013 followed by the record 18-10 thumping in Colorado has reinvigorated the match. This year the Cup is in Germany for the first time.
“I think it gave me a big boost of confidence as well, plus a lot of people definitely know me because of that”. If it is, it might favour the visitors, but it’s conjecture.
A look at individual achievements makes you gasp at Europe’s recent success. Against Team Europe, however, they have the far superior team. If that continues the trophy will stay with Europe.
Inkster’s players, who hope to stop a two-time losing streak, back their skipper’s focus on winning golf contests rather than vying for most dolled up. That’s obviously the one I remember most. It’s an American phrase that indicates hard work is required, rather than a hint that Cristie Kerr turns her nose up at sauerkraut or Michelle Wie has a problem with pretzels. Below are the Team USA members, along with their records.
The home side is headed by two veterans, Suzann Pettersen (7/2 to be top European point scorer) and Catriona Matthew (14/1).
Four foursomes are played on Friday morning with four fourballs following in the afternoon.
Europe will be spearheaded by two-time major winner Pettersen, a combative player from Norway, who will be competing in her eighth Solheim Cup. I’m wearing flip flops and I could have holed-that.’ She hasn’t got much clue about golf, but it’s quite funny when she watches. “That was one of the most wonderful Sundays in any match-play event, counting the Ryder Cup, just the turnaround there”.
The core of the team has proved itself reliable under pressure.
And she said, for a year and a half, she’s been pounding into the heads of her team to go out and play loose and leave stress on the first tee. Team Europe, while have the youngest player in the matches (Charley Hull, 19), is also the older of the two teams, boasting two players in their 40’s while Team USA doesn’t have any. She’s posted a 5-4-2 mark in three previous appearances. Caroline Masson (14/1) is a bit fretful in contention in stroke play, but did win 2.5 points on debut two years ago.
Scottish Government figures have shown an increase in the number of girls getting involved in the game, thanks in a large part to the Clubgolf programme designed to give nine-year-olds across the country an introduction to golf. As a player, Inkster won more points (18½) in Solheim Cup play than any other American.
Reid didn’t make the last team, and has admitted she almost quit golf altogether in 2014 after a poor season on the Ladies European Tour as she struggled to cope with the death of her mother, Joy, in a car accident in 2012.
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Match three will see the U.S. team of Lexi Thompson and Christie Kerr taking on Azahara Munoz and Karin Icher. A successful college and Curtis Cup performer, Inkster seems keen to utilise her energy. “It’s just something they’ve always done”. It might be worth noting if you like to trade. There was talk of changing the format to add the rest of the world to create a more competitive worldwide rival for the Americans. Europe caught a wave in 2011 and rode it sensationally in 2013, but it would be natural if it has petered out a little and they find the going a bit tougher this time.
