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The 19th edition of the Solheim Cup has kicked off at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia, with Europe looking to retain the trophy for an unprecedented fourth time. Despite their recent dominance, Europe enters as the underdogs, a label even embraced by their captain, Suzann Pettersen. The team, however, brings momentum from last year’s thrilling 14-14 tie in Spain, a result that allowed Europe to keep the trophy.
The United States, on the other hand, is eager to end its winless streak, which dates back to 2017. With 100,000 fans expected to create a raucous atmosphere on the course, Europe is set for a hostile reception.
“It’s nice to get this going again,” Pettersen told BBC Sport. “It feels like we just left Spain, and we need to keep the momentum rolling. Playing away is a tough task, but the players are up for it.”
Pettersen, a veteran of nine Solheim Cups as a player, recalled the disastrous 4-0 opening foursomes in Spain last year, calling it a “wake-up call.” She emphasized that she has learned from that experience, promising to be more direct with her team this time around.
“The passion and energy I always had for this is what I want to pass on to the players,” she said. “They are looking for a strong leader, so I’ll do my best.”
Half of the European squad played in the team’s last away defeat in Iowa seven years ago, including stalwarts like Charley Hull, Georgia Hall, Carlota Ciganda, and Anna Nordqvist. For the U.S., Lexi Thompson and Alison Lee are the only players who have tasted Solheim victory, leading to a sense of “unfinished business” in the American camp, as Megan Khang put it.
