"European Team Aims to Harness Momentum from Previous Solheim Cup for Success"
Less than a year ago, the Solheim Cup was won by Team Europe in a 14-14 tie against the U.S. Team. The Europeans have held onto the cup since their narrow victories in 2019 and 2021.
Now, the Solheim Cup is returning to even-numbered years, with both teams competing once again. The location has changed from Malaga, Spain to Gainesville, Va.
During a press conference at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, Europe captain Suzann Pettersen was asked if either team could gain an advantage from the back-to-back Solheim Cup setup.
\"I don't believe it makes a difference,\" Pettersen stated. \"It feels like the '23 Solheim Cup just happened yesterday. It's still fresh in our minds, which is nice. It gives us the same energy and feeling as before.\"
The Solheim Cup was originally established as an even-numbered year event in 1990, but changed to odd-numbered years in 2003 to avoid conflicting with the Ryder Cup, which was postponed due to the Sept. 11 attacks. However, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the 2020 Ryder Cup back a year, resulting in the Solheim Cup returning to even-numbered years.
Pettersen is serving as captain for the second consecutive year, while Stacy Lewis is doing the same for the Americans.
\"It was the right decision for both Stacy and myself to continue as captains,\" Pettersen explained. \"It would have been difficult for someone new to come in and do everything in just 11 months.\"
Pettersen will benefit from the existing structure of last year's winning team, with 10 of the 12 players returning. The only new additions are Esther Henseleit of Germany and Albane Valenzuela of Switzerland.
\"It hasn't been too challenging, just a lot of work,\" Pettersen said. \"We had already planned the outfits for this year before we even played last year. So it's been a lot of administrative and logistical tasks to take care of.\"
\"From the players' perspective, the rankings are quite similar. I think it will be nice to get this year's competition over with and then return to the regular schedule of every other year. That's good for the game.\"
Pettersen expressed relief in not having the pressure of winning on home soil, leaving that task to the Americans. The U.S. Team will rely on top players such as Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Rose Zhang, and Lexi Thompson to end their losing streak.
While Pettersen doesn't believe her team has any inherent advantages, the positive energy from their win last year is undeniable.
\"It's been a quick year since Spain,\" she said. \"We had a quick turnaround and celebration. It's a great challenge to try and win again. The players are up for it, but it will be a tough task.\"