Team Europe is setting out this weekend to retain possession of the Solheim Cup for the fourth straight event, something that’s never been done in its 34-year history.
The U.S. team might have been favored in the past, looking stronger on paper with star players such as Lexi Thompson and Nelly Korda. But that hasn’t earned the Americans the 14 1/2 points necessary to win back the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2017, and that will be their goal when play begins Friday at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va.
England’s Georgia Hall, part of each of the past three victorious European teams, said Thursday that their success can be traced back to the closeness of the women each year.
“I just think the bond that we all have,” Hall told reporters. “I think this is the team for me that gets on the best. All of us just have a laugh in the evenings, and we just know each other really well and a great team spirit. I think that’s extremely important in team golf.
“When we go out there (Friday) with our partner, it’s just like we’ll do anything for them and we have their back. I think that’s what’s most important.”
Hall was asked in a follow-up question whether the Europeans had figured something out about Solheim Cup success that the Americans hadn’t.
“I think to a lot of players, this is the pinnacle of our careers and it’s extremely important to us and it means a lot to win,” Hall said. “Contributing to the team and individual points as well. We’re just great friends, so I think that’s — yeah.”
The American players on this year’s team have a combined seven major titles among them, including two for Korda and two for Lilia Vu. But Hall’s answer seemed to indicate that winning the international team competition trumped even major championships in many European players’ eyes.
Hall is good friends with countrywoman and Europe teammate Charley Hull, who had a similar message at Thursday’s news conference when asked how the team is feeling.
“I think the team is so well bonded this year. It’s unbelievable,” she said. “I’m just really excited to get cracking now.”
She won’t have to wait much longer. In Virginia, the Europeans will face a heavily American-leaning crowd.
“I love the American crowds. It’s so much fun,” Hull said. “I always love playing a Solheim Cup in America because the atmosphere is unbelievable. I don’t know, we play over here every week on the LPGA Tour and I just really enjoy it. The crowds are a great laugh. Even though they’re supporting America they’re still respectful, and we just have a lot of fun out there.”
