Well-bonded Europeans seek record
GAINESVILLE—Tension built as US and European golfers played their final practice rounds on Thursday on the eve of the 19th Solheim Cup, with Europe seeking to take the trophy for an unprecedented fourth consecutive time.
England’s Charley Hull and Germany’s Esther Henseleit face top-ranked Nelly Korda and fellow American Allisen Corpuz in Friday’s first of four morning foursomes matches at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
“I’m really excited,” Hull said. “The team is so well bonded this year. It’s unbelievable. I’m just really excited to get cracking now.”
The event features four foursomes and four-ball matches on Friday and Saturday with 12 singles matches on Sunday.
Asked how they have thrived in underdog roles against high-ranked US foes, European players cited camaraderie and getting the most from every pairing and player.
“The bond we all have—I think this is the team for me that gets on the best,” England’s Georgia Hall said. “All of us just have a laugh in the evenings, and we just know each other really well.
“When we go out there tomorrow with our partner, it’s just like we’ll do anything for them and we have their back.”
Support during practice rounds has already got the US side buzzing.
“Just hearing the USA chants, it just really fires you up,” said starter Ally Ewing.
