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European golfers in the Solheim Cup will likely adopt an underdog mentality as they face their American rivals this week, even as they bid to lift the trophy for a record fourth consecutive time.
The American hosts have three players in the top 10, including world number one Nelly Korda, and six in the world’s top 21 to Europe’s two ahead of the biennial women’s golf showdown which begins Friday at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
“On paper, the U.S. team is very strong,” Sweden’s Linn Grant said Tuesday. “I don’t think it’s a bad thing to go into this week knowing we have to fight to retain the Cup.”
The Americans lead the overall rivalry 10-7 with one draw, but the Europeans have four wins and one draw in the last seven events.
The Europeans have won the trophy at the last three events in thrilling fashion: 14.5-13.5 at Gleneagles in 2019, 15-13 at Inverness in 2021 and 14-14 as defending champions in 2023 at Finca Cortesin in Spain.
“Don’t necessarily think that everything will go according to plan just because we have had success in previous editions,” said European captain Suzann Pettersen.
“On the road, you’re always the underdog. That’s how we’ve always looked at it. If you look at the previous three Solheims, we came out on the right side and we’re going to try to keep that up.
“At the same time, being far away, I am very happy to leave the pressure to the Americans.”
The Cup was held this year to alternate years with the men’s Ryder Cup, which was moved to odd-numbered years following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s a big challenge,” Pettersen said of the back-to-back years. “Win or lose, all we want is for them to play their hearts out. That’s all we can ask of them.”
The teams will play four foursomes and four four-ball matches on Friday and Saturday, with 12 singles matches concluding on Sunday.
“There’s so much adrenaline,” Grant said. “It feels like Friday already.”
“It’s the pinnacle of what we do. Deep down, I wish every week was like this because it’s so surreal: you’re nervous, you’re scared, you’re happy, the adrenaline is pumping. It’s like a whole other level of golf to think about.”
Europe has England’s Charley Hull, ranked 12th in the world, and France’s Celine Boutier, ranked 10th in the world, the last winner of a major European tournament since her triumph on home soil last year at the Evian Championship.
Solheim’s European rookie is Paris Olympic runner-up Esther Henseleit of Germany.
“The emotions are a lot higher this week. I can’t wait to get started,” she said. “I feel like all my hard work over the last few years has paid off and everything has come together. It’s great to see good results coming in. It really helps my confidence.”
Henseleit is also strengthened by her boyfriend who serves as her caddy.
“It’s great to have Reece in my bag. He knows me so well,” she said. “He knows what to say at what time. We have our ups and downs, but we’re both pretty easygoing. So for the most part, it’s pretty smooth sailing.”
– ‘Still quite fresh’ –
In 2023, the Americans swept the first foursomes session 4-0. European golfers have not forgotten it.
“It would be nice to have a better start,” Pettersen said. “But that being said, Friday morning last year was also a good wake-up call for all of us.
“I think it’s still fresh in the minds of all the players.”
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