The Solheim Cup: Expect fireworks at Finca Cortesin
Maja Stark and Linn Grant of Team Europe fist bump on the first green during Day One of The Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin Golf Club on September 22, 2023 in Casares, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
As we enter two weeks of top-tier team golf, I find myself engrossed once again with a format that rarely fails to ignite that tribal fire I feel in other team sports.
On the eve of the Solheim Cup, as I settled in to enjoy the opening ceremony, I found myself reflecting on the spectacle of 2021. A sensational performance from Team Europe secured a second consecutive win, with Leona Maguire stealing the show thanks to her unbeaten 4.5 point haul. A fast start on day one saw Europe take an early three point lead, and Suzann Pettersen will be looking for something similar come this time tomorrow.
The Solheim Cup heads to Spain for the first time, with Finca Cortesin providing the idyllic backdrop. A rare bid for a first European hat-trick, back on home turf, will surely act as motivation for both sides to bring their best in what is sure to be a fierce battle. Despite a period of dominance for Europe since the USA last won the Solheim Cup in 2017, it is actually the stars and stripes that hold the overall bragging rights. With the USA currently holding ten wins in this competition, three more than Europe’s seven, they will surely fancy their chances to regain the trophy and retain the advantage.
Team Europe have however arrived in fine form, with five members of the side in the top-20 in the world rankings. There will be plenty of support for Spaniard Carlotta Ciganda, while a red hot Charley Hull will be looking to add to a total of 12.5 points accumulated over the last five Solheim Cups. Recent two-time major winner Celine Boutier will surely play a big part this week, and with plenty of experience the Europeans may have an edge over a relatively inexperienced USA side.
Maja Stark of Team Europe hits a tee shot on the fourth hole during Day One of The Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin Golf Club on September 22, 2023 in Casares, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images).
Team USA captain Stacy Lewis has included five rookies in her squad, and just three have a Solheim Cup victory on their CV. Six of the twelve players will be experiencing an away Solheim Cup for the first time, and at a tough track which requires plenty of patience. Jennifer Kupcho joint-top-scored for the stars and stripes in 2021, with Nelly Korda taking that honour the last time the Solheim Cup was contested in Europe. With plenty of excitement around the young talent in their team, including superstar in the making Rose Zhang, the USA will believe they have a great chance to steal the cup back.
The announcement of the Friday foursomes pairings only added to the excitement and anticipation, with rookie Swedish pair Linn Grant and Maja Stark leading Team Europe out in the early hours of tomorrow morning. Their opponents, Solheim cup veteran Lexi Thompson and Megan Khang, will have a tough task on their hands to compete with the jubilant atmosphere created by the home fans, but will surely be looking to spoil the party as early as possible. In what I would describe as the headline match of the morning, Leona Maguire teams up with player vice-captain Anna Nordqvist to take on Nelly Korda and recent US Women’s Open winner Allisen Corpusz. Someone get me a comfy chair!
With all the build up over, and the fun only just beginning, there is just one more thing to say…
Vamos a Europa!
