Europe hit back at US in bitter war of words
THEY used to say that the Solheim Cup was the ‘Ryder Cup with lipstick’. These days, ‘ with stilettos’ might be a better fit.
For some time now the event has been played with an edge rarely seen in the men’s version, and all the signs are that we are in for another spicy edition over the next three days.
If American Danielle Kang’s hilariously over-the-top comments that she wanted to ‘crush Europe’ weren’t enough to set the tone, consider the delicious response from Suzann Pettersen yesterday.
Whereas at the Ryder Cup they’d have been trying to play it all down, the brassy Norwegian stepped boldly where the men have long since feared to tread. Asked for her thoughts, she smiled broadly and gave her best Dominic Cummings impression. ‘We’re going to step on their necks,’ she said.
Pettersen was struggling with a sore throat but the effect was the same as if she had been screaming her thoughts from the rooftop of the Gleneagles hotel.
It told everyone that Kang’s remarks, including the idea of making the home side and its supporters cry, were the talk of the European locker room. The steely glare of Jodi Ewart Shadoff sitting alongside Pettersen merely confirmed the impression.
‘You could say it’s extra motivation,’ said the Englishwoman, before adding: ‘There will be no tears in our team room — unless they’re ones of happiness.’ Home captain Catriona Matthew knows the importance of getting off to a fast start, and leads off the foursomes this morning with her best player, Carlota Ciganda from Spain, in tandem with precocious English rookie Bronte Law.
‘Bronte’s chomping at the bit,’ said Matthew. ‘I couldn’t hold her back.’ All four Englishwomen in the Europe team will see action this morning although, oddly, none will play together.
History will be made in the third foursomes when the USA’s Korda sisters, Jessica and Nelly, become the first siblings to play together.
Former Australian Open tennis champion Petr Korda played for the Czech Republic but his daughters were adamant he would be feeling no conflicting loyalties. ‘I’m sure you will be able to hear him and I’m sure he will be clothed in red, white and blue,’ said Jessica.
It all points to a tense affair but, with home advantage, Europe should edge it to regain the Cup. Morning foursomes (Europe first): 8:10am: Carlota Ciganda and Bronte Law v Morgan Pressel and Marina Alex. 8:22am: Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier v Lexi Thompson and Brittany Altomare. 8:34am: Caroline Masson and Jodi Ewart Shadoff v Jessica Korda and Nelly Korda. 8:46am: Charley Hull and Azahara Munoz v Megan Khang and Annie Park.
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