CASARES, Spain – Imagine this: A thousand fans are crammed into the grandstands as you prepare to start your round. You’re surrounded by screaming fans, cheering or booing depending on who you are playing for. Your adrenaline is raging and your nerves are overwhelming.
Even the best golfers in the world will have sweaty hands, weak knees and heavy arm. Solheim Cup first tees are among the most exciting moments in golf. This year, the 18th match between the United States vs. Europe will have even more tension as players face a high-risk-high-reward shot on the par-4 1, which is 280 yards long.
Angela Stanford said, “I thought it was so cool.” She thoroughly enjoyed watching Nelly Koda and Lexi Thompson blast drives off the opening. It’s elevated and you’ve got all the fans cheering you on — and I’m sure Europe has players who can do it, too. “I think it’ll be a great way to start my day.”
I think it’s enjoyable. Korda echoed this sentiment. “Obviously, there’s lots of trouble left.” If you land the ball just short of green, the ball will roll into the water. It’s an interesting opening hole. “I feel that you will be nervous enough on the first tee, and with that being your first tee shot as well, you are going to feel it in your stomach.”
The 2017 Solheim Cup, held in Iowa, featured a par-4 that was drivable from 306 yards on the No. 1. Suzann Petersen, the European captain, has been preaching communication to make the most of this opportunity.
“I want to make sure that the players and the team at least discuss what they’re thinking before they get on the first tee, so that we can have a plan in place,” said Pettersen. He also stressed the importance of the course conditions.
@HullCharley The par-4 first hole
Only one winner
#TeamEurope | #SolheimCup pic.twitter.com/T4zRzIWWQU
Ladies European Tour September 21 2023 HTML0
Water guards the front left of the green and bunkers are to the right and back. A strong wind blowing into the players’ faces or to their left could result in a lay-up shot and an easy wedge on the green.
Carlota Ciganda said, “It depends on the wind. But if I get to that green and have a good score, then I’ll go for it.” The Spaniard’s best number is 230-235 metres, which is equivalent to between 250 and 255 yards.
Megan Khang quipped, “I’m going to do it if there is a strong downwind.”
Morgan Pressel, a second assistant captain of the Americans, noted that Angel Yin teed-off with a small driver and reached the front edge in just her third swing without a warming-up. Pressel, a six-time Solheim Cup winner with a record of 11-8-3, saw the greens as an advantage to the U.S.
I think it’s cool. It’s a match. Pressel said, “It’s fun.” We will have the honor of being on the first tee for the entire week. This is a great opportunity to put pressure on Team Europe so they can start out strong. “Players who can’t make it there have said, ‘Oh I could get up-and down and make birdie using a wedge. I don’t believe it’s deterrent in this sense.”
Korda, in his role as devil’s advocate, said: “Well, we might have more pressure, because we are the ones who will be hitting the first tee shot and they’ll see how we perform.” “I’m not sure, but it’s going be a difficult one.”
It’s a tough one, for sure, but also an exciting one.
