Despite having won the past two editions of the tournament, Europe does not start this time as a favorite in the Solheim Cup, which began today at the St Leon-Rot Golf Club course in Germany. This is recognized by Catriona Matthew, eight times member of the European team in this biennial competition.
Not surprisingly, ten of the twelve North American competitors are among the top 40 in the world ranking, while on the European side there are only three in that bracket.
The Americans are also clear favorites for those who risk their money at bookmakers.
For the first time, Europe will have no rookies on the team and nine of the 12 players who helped Europe win its first Solheim Cup on American soil are in play through Sunday at St. Leon-Rot near Heidelberg.
In the previous edition, played in Colorado, the Europeans, in addition to achieving their first victory in enemy territory, broke the record of points ever achieved by a team in this competition (18).
In the overall tally of the Solheim Cup, first played in 1990, the United States has the advantage in terms of victories, with eight to Europe’s five.
The European team is made up of two Spaniards, Azahara Muñoz and Carlota Ciganda, and Sandra Gal, Caroline Hedwall, Charley Hull, Karine Icher, Caroline Masson, Catriona Matthew, Gwladys Nocera, Anna Nordqvist, Suzann Pettersen and Melissa Reid.
Playing for the United States are Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Brittany Lang, Alison Lee, Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lincicome, Gerina Piller, Morgan Pressel, Lizette Salas, Angela Stanford, Lexi Thompson and Michelle Wie.
The Solheim has kicked off this morning with the dispute of the first four foursomes, a modality in which each pair plays a single ball and alternate strokes.
During these days, Azahara Muñoz writes a diary from Germany for the Royal Andalusian Golf Federation which is available every day on the website rfga.org and on the official RFGA Twitter account.
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