Less than 12 months ago, Team Europe celebrated retaining the Solheim Cup after drawing 14-14 with the U.S. team. This marked Europe’s narrow victories in 2019 and 2021.
Now, the Solheim Cup is shifting back to even-numbered years, with both teams set for a rematch. The host venue changes from Malaga, Spain, to Gainesville, Va.
Europe captain Suzann Pettersen was asked on Tuesday at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club if either team could gain an advantage from the back-to-back Solheim Cup setup.
“I don’t really think it matters, to be honest,” Pettersen said. “The nice thing is it literally feels like the ’23 Solheim was just yesterday. It’s so fresh in mind, it literally feels like it. So it’s kind of nice to get that feel and energy going again.”
The Solheim Cup, established in 1990 as an even-numbered year event, shifted to odd-numbered years in 2003 to avoid overlapping with the Ryder Cup, which had been postponed a year due to the Sept. 11 attacks. The COVID-19 pandemic then delayed the 2020 Ryder Cup by a year, prompting the Solheim Cup to return to even years.
Pettersen is leading her team for the second consecutive year, with Stacy Lewis doing the same for the Americans.
“I think it was only the right thing to do for both Stacy and myself because it would have been an awfully hard job for someone new to come in and do everything in 11 months’ time,” Pettersen said.
The Norwegian captain will benefit from the existing infrastructure of last year’s victorious team. Ten of her 12 players from 2023 are back, with Esther Henseleit of Germany and Albane Valenzuela of Switzerland being the only newcomers.
“I wouldn’t say there are a lot of challenges. It’s just a lot of work,” Pettersen said. “Even before we hit a tee shot last year, we had already kind of done the outfits for this year. So it’s really just a lot of crisscross stuff, admin work, and logistics.
“From the players’ perspective, the rankings kind of overlap quite a bit. I think it’s going to be nice once we get this one out of the way and then return to the regular every-other-year schedule. I think that’s good for the game.”
Pettersen expressed relief at leaving the pressure of a home win to the Americans, who will depend on players like Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Rose Zhang, Lexi Thompson, and others to end their drought.
The European captain downplayed the idea that her team has any built-in advantages, but the positive momentum from their win last September is undeniable.
“It’s been a quick year since Spain,” she said. “It was obviously a quick turnaround, fast celebration. I think it’s a great challenge to go out there again and get the job done. The players are all up for it, and it’s always going to be a big task.”
Source: Field Level Media
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