GAINESVILLE, Va. – The 19th version of the Solheim Cup begins Friday at Robert Trent Jones Golf Membership with 4 foursomes adopted by 4 fourballs. They’ll repeat that order on Saturday after which play 12 singles matches on Sunday.
Europe is the defending champion – although, not technically. Reigning could be a greater phrase as Europe tied the U.S. final 12 months in Spain to retain the cup, which it outright gained in 2021 and 2019.
The usually biennial competitors is being contested in back-to-back years as organizers get it on an even-year schedule (away from the Ryder Cup’s odd years).
So, there you go, a short need-to-know. Need extra on the U.S. crew, simply click on on the hyperlink. Identical for the Euros, the format and historical past, all of the previous winners and easy methods to watch.
However earlier than you get up early Friday morning to see that first ball struck, listed below are some huge questions (and some doable solutions) for each side:
Who’s the Solheim Cup favourite?
First captain to the touch her nostril and say, “Not it!” will get to be the underdog.
Each Stacy Lewis (U.S.) and Suzann Pettersen (Europe) are returning as crew leaders, and neither is staking declare because the one to beat.
“I feel taking part in away, you’re at all times an underdog,” Pettersen stated. “I feel that’s how we’ve at all times checked out it. Yeah, for those who take a look at the earlier three Solheims, we’ve come out on the excessive aspect, and we’re going to try to maintain that going for certain. On the similar time, being away, I’m very joyful to type of go away the strain to the Individuals to say they’re the house favorites.”
Of that, there is no such thing as a ambiguity: The strain is on U.S. shoulders – even when they’re making an attempt to stage it.
The Individuals haven’t held the cup since 2017. Lewis is making an attempt to keep away from changing into the primary U.S. captain to not win in a number of makes an attempt. And whereas taking part in at dwelling can present an enormous benefit, it may possibly additionally up the expectation ante.
The U.S. wish to deliver the team-room vibe onto the course.
“I feel this 12 months’s crew chemistry has been actually nice up to now,” stated Andrea Lee, making her second straight look for the U.S. aspect. “I’ve by no means laughed tougher this week than I’ve in some other match week.”
There’s karaoke and dancing, Sarah Schmelzel in a bald-eagle onesie. It’s a free tone set by Lewis, whom vice-captain Angela Stanford says does an awesome job of balancing foolish and critical.
“I don’t really feel any strain once I’m in that crew room or once I’m across the women,” Lewis stated. “I don’t suppose they really feel strain. I don’t really feel strain.”
At the least not on Wednesday.
Lauren Coughlin, Schmelzel and Alison Lee) in comparison with ’23 and two new faces for Europe (Esther Henseleit and Albane Valenzuela).
Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz went 2-0 in foursomes final 12 months as did Lexi Thompson and Megan Khang. Europe used the combos of Linn Grant-Maja Stark, Celine Boutier-Georgia Corridor and Leona Maguire-Anna Norqvist for each foursomes, and solely the Swedes produced some extent.
The fourball groups have been extra diverse for each side. Europe solely saved one crew collectively for each better-ball periods and that duo of Grant-Carlota Ciganda went 2-0. The U.S. didn’t double up on groups within the format.
Who is that this 12 months’s Carlota Ciganda for Europe?
Ciganda was final 12 months’s Maguire, who was 2021’s Corridor and Boutier.
Enjoying in her dwelling nation, Spain’s Ciganda went 4-0 to steer Europe to a retention. Two years prior, in her debut, Eire’s Maguire went 4-0-1 to assist Europe efficiently defend. And two years earlier than that, England’s Corridor and France’s Boutier every went 4-0 to wrest away the cup.
In the event you’re on the lookout for somebody new on the Euro aspect, it might be Grant. She’s turn out to be extra comfy taking part in on the LPGA; has a fierce, aggressive mindset; and went 3-2-0 in taking part in all 5 periods as a rookie final 12 months. Her lone LPGA win was a runaway final 12 months in Ohio, and he or she’s twice claimed the Volvo Scandinavian Combined, beating each women and men within the DP World Tour-LET co-sanctioned occasion.
Who must step up for the U.S.?
an emotional interview with Golf Channel’s Amy Rogers, talking on the pressure of the season and the way grateful she was to be a part of this crew. This might be the week Kupcho revives her amateur-dominating, major-winning self.
How does the RTJ course evaluate to Finca Cortesin?
“They’re so totally different, these two golf programs,” stated Korda.
“That is simpler to stroll,” stated Stark, “in order that’s good.”
After just a few apply rounds, the gamers stated the course is taking part in pretty gentle and receptive, although, temperatures will attain the low 80s every day and rain shouldn’t be anticipated this week.
Good scoring, nonetheless, is: “I really feel like possibly there can be extra birdies right here,” stated Korda.
“Positively,” added Khang. “I feel the greens right here have somewhat extra undulations to them. As huge as they’re, they type of have little pockets, I’d name it, on the greens. As a result of for those who’re type of on the improper aspect of these pockets there are going to be some robust putts on the market. So it seems to be like your ball hanging is de facto going to should be on level.
“Total, each golf programs are wonderful, and we’re very joyful to be right here taking part in on these stunning programs – however we’re hoping we’ve got somewhat extra luck right here.”
