The Solheim captains don’t hide the truth in Spain.
Suzann Pettersen’s team is considered the best team Europe has ever put together. With the momentum from winning the last two Solheim Cups, as well as the home crowd advantage, they are the favorites at Finca Cortesin.
Pettersen said, “I don’t think there’s any reason to hide anything. If you look at the team on paper, it’s the strongest I’ve been part of in my life.” This is based on the great performances that all the players have put up over the past few years. With good results come expectations. But these girls are up for it and we can’t hold our breath.
Emily Pedersen, Pettersen’s captain picks, and Caroline Hedwall are both Cuppers who have plenty of experience on the LPGA. Hedwall, in fact, went 5-0 a decade ago in Colorado.
Eight rookies are combined between the two teams. Of the 16 players who have experience in the competition, only 9 have a winning record. Six of them are Europeans.
Lewis said on Wednesday that he thought Europe was the favorite. They have won the past two, and we are on their turf. They have a team with a lot of experience. You look at the past, and it’s not good for us. But I love the chances we have. I love these rookies. “I think they’re going have a fantastic week and hopefully shock a lot people.”
In 2023, both teams are doing well on the LPGA. Five players from Team USA have won seven titles. Three players from Europe, including France’s Celine Botier, hold a total of five titles.
Angela Stanford, assistant captain, said: “I cannot remember another time or another year where so many Americans won leading up to Solheim Cup.” “I don’t recall a time when it felt like it was back-and-forth all year,” said assistant captain Angela Stanford.
Angel Yin, Team USA, reacts at the Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Casares on September 21, 2023. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images).
Angel Yin, an American, said it was the first time she had heard that Europe is the favourite.
Yin smiled and said, “I think that we will just kill it.” “I haven’t heard any other thing, except that we’re going to kill it,” said Yin.
Feeling like an underdog?
Megan Khang said, “Honestly, both teams have a very strong lineup.” “I know, I think our team has a few more rookies …”
Nelly Korda added quickly, referring Lilia Vu and Allisen Corpuz, who won the U.S. Women’s Open, AIG Women’s British, and Chevron Women’s British.
It’s no doubt a changing-of-the-guard year for Team USA, with so many top players making their debut. Last time the Americans entered a Cup in foreign soil after two losses, it was 2015 when they played against Germany. Lexi Thompson, the only American on this year’s squad who was part that historic comeback in St. Leon-Rot .
Juli Inkster presented Paul Azinger’s pod system and the team bought into it. Lewis isn’t following the pod tradition. Instead, he relies on a KPMG-backed stats system.
Lewis said that it was not the only thing. It’s not just about personalities. Maybe it’s the golf ball. But analytics have been a big part of our work. They’ve helped me justify things in my mind and with players.
Pettersen has, however, been the most transparent captain so far, according to players. He asked for their input, especially on pairings.
Anna Nordqvist said, “I think she takes communication to a new level within Team Europe.” She discussed with the players who they feel comfortable playing with, and what each player wants to do. This week, I felt like it was a team effort.
