Each of the last four Solheim Cups on European soil have produced a winning margin of two points or less; Team Europe look to regain the trophy after their loss to Team USA in 2024; By Ali Stafford at Bernardus Golf Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Team USA are determined to overcome ‘heart-breaking’ near-misses in away Solheim Cups and successfully retain their trophy on European soil this week, live on Sky Sports. Angela Stanford’s side arrive at Bernardus Golf as defending champions, following their 15.5-12.5 win over Team Europe in Virginia two years ago, leaving Team USA chasing back-to-back wins for the first time since 2017. It’s 11 years since the United States last won in Europe, when a record final-day comeback overturned a 10-6 deficit and snatched a one-point win in Germany, with Team USA falling agonisingly short in both the last two away editions. Team USA lost by a point at Gleneagles in 2019 after Suzann Pettersen’s iconic putt in the singles, then followed a home loss in 2021 by letting their commanding opening-day lead slip to tie 14-14 at Finca Cortesin in Spain two years later.
“It’s always really hard to win on foreign soil,” American Andrea Lee said in her press conference. “I think we played really well and came so close last time in Spain. “It was pretty heart-breaking to end in a tie and for Europe to retain, but I think a lot of us from that team are here this week. We’re just very motivated to keep the [Solheim] Cup and try to win on foreign soil again.” Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Team USA travelled together – including caddies – from Atlanta to the Netherlands on Saturday, spending the following day as tourists in Amsterdam ahead of switching focus to Solheim Cup week.
Attention to detail with the American camp has seen clothing and bag designs linked to past successes on away soil, including their 2007 victory in Sweden before their 2015 win in Germany. “I think something about this format just brings a fire out of the European girls that they will come out and play amazing golf, and they’re great competitors to play against, so I think that’s something we’re preparing for,” Alison Lee explained. “Obviously coming over here to Europe is always difficult. I don’t ever play in the rain or wind, but I think that’s something we’re all expecting.
“We know that if we come out and do our best to play some good golf, and hopefully have a bit of chemistry out there as well, I think we have a really good chance this year.” Andrea Lee added: ” If we win this week, this would be the fourth foreign soil win for the United States. I think we’re all just really determined to try and keep it.” The last four Solheim Cups have had a combined winning margin of six points, compared to the 24-point difference in the last four Ryder Cup, with Team USA failing to close out recent opportunities at away success. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player “In Spain [2023], we were super close,” world No 1 Nelly Korda insisted. “They tied with Europe, so they retained the [Solheim] Cup.
For Gleneagles, I feel like we played really well, but maybe haven’t had momentum go (our way) while we’re in Europe. “I think that what Ang [Stanford] and the assistants have said this week is to really rely on each other. When it gets tough, we all have to realise we are here for each other and we also have so many people out there supporting us.” On recent disappointments, Angel Yin admitted: “As much as we don’t close out the win, it’s always coming down to the last putt. We always put up a really good fight, even though we’re unfamiliar with the situation, and I think we’re learning.” Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Europe’s off-course antics in the team room have included ping pong, darts and a quiz involving baby photos of the caddies in recent days, with personalised pictures among the gifts received.
Nordqvist’s young line-up contains four rookies and half a squad that’s never experienced a home Solheim Cup, with Charley Hull – making an eighth consecutive appearance – among the stars hoping to deliver. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player “I actually feel like there’s a lot less pressure when you’re away,” Hull explained. “We get big crowds both places, but obviously it’s a little more pressure over here when it’s a home Solheim Cup!” Only Carlota Ciganda has as many Solheim Cup appearances as Hull, on either team, with the Spaniard keen to see Nordqvist follow calling time on her LPGA Tour playing career by leading Europe to victory. “I would love to win for her [Nordqvist], especially now after announcing her retirement,” Ciganda revealed.
“I think it would be a very nice present for her. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player “Not that she needs it, because she’s won everything! She’s been a part of so many Solheim Cups and wins. She’s made so many great putts, won majors and she’s done everything.
I think it would be just special. “I think she’s prepared really hard, she’s done her job and she’s ready. Hopefully we can deliver for her.” Sky Sports Golf will have at least 12 hours of live coverage from the first two days, with coverage getting under way at 6am on Friday and Saturday ahead of the opening foursomes match teeing off at 6.40am (7.40am local time). Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player The afternoon fourballs are scheduled to start at 12.05pm (1.05pm local time) on both days, with coverage continuing until after the final putt is holed, while Sunday singles coverage begins at 9am ahead of the opening tee shot at 10.10am.
Sky Sports+ will have live coverage of the closing ceremony from 5.30pm on Sunday, following the Solheim Cup winner being crowned, while the opening ceremony on Thursday at 4.30pm will see the opening-day pairings revealed. Who will win the Solheim Cup? Watch Team Europe’s bid to regain the trophy exclusively live on Sky Sports, with all three days live from September 11-13 on Sky Sports Golf. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.
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