United States captain Stacy Lewis insists her “hungry” staff are able to sort out “unfinished enterprise” and finish Crew Europe’s unbeaten streak within the Solheim Cup.
Crew USA haven’t gained the Solheim Cup since 2017, with Europe following back-to-back victories in 2019 and 2021 by retaining the title with a dramatic 14-14 tie in Spain final September.
Lewis stays captain for this yr’s contest at Robert Trent Jones Golf Membership in Virginia, the place she is set to see Crew USA return to successful methods however not feeling any extra strain as odds-on favourites.
“This staff is hungry they usually wish to have enjoyable doing it,” Lewis stated. “These ladies, they need that trophy, they usually wish to win. They’ll discuss it sometimes, however I simply suppose they should take pleasure in themselves and they should have enjoyable they usually must be relaxed.
“From what I’ve seen out of Solheim Cups and groups that I’ve been on, those which can be extra relaxed, those which can be having enjoyable behind the scenes, these are those which have been on successful groups.
“So we put lots of emphasis in what’s occurring within the staff room, what’s occurring within the bus. Simply no matter they should do to assist them keep relaxed. I’ll get no matter they should assist them play good golf. However the motivation is there. They’re working laborious, they usually wish to win this factor
“If we win, we cease the [European] streak. If we lose, the streak retains going. I’d like to cease it, don’t get me mistaken, however I don’t see it as strain.”
The ‘unfinished enterprise’ mantra has turn into the staff motto for the US this week, with Megan Khang determined to make her fourth Solheim Cup look a Crew USA victory.
“Some individuals have requested me what one phrase can be to explain Crew USA this yr, and I’m simply going to say ‘hungry,’ Khang stated,
“Nelly [Korda] and I clearly being on the identical quantity of Solheim Cups and never essentially getting the job finished final yr type of leaves not essentially the very best style in your mouth.
“Fortunately, we didn’t have to attend two years. Now we have this yr to type of get again at it, and I can let you know now we’re extra hungry than ever.”
Lexi Thompson, making her seventh and probably final Solheim Cup look, added: “There’s strain each time we tee it up. It could be just a little bit extra representing our nation, nevertheless it’s studying to embrace it. You’re not alone on the market.
“You’ve gotten your team-mates by your facet pumping you up. In fact there’s just a little little bit of unfinished enterprise, however we all know what we’ve got to do. Now we have to go on the market and play some nice golf, and we’re prepared to take action and produce some constructive vitality.”
Europe able to create historical past?
4 of the final 5 editions of the Solheim Cup have seen a successful margin of two factors or much less, with Carlota Ciganda anticipating one other shut contest however backing Crew Europe to impress once more.
“I believe that’s most likely going to be extra of the identical,” Ciganda stated. “Yeah, the US staff, they’ve been taking part in higher than us on paper, and doubtless world rankings, however I believe this week is totally different.
“It’s important to make these putts to win and I believe, as Europeans, everyone knows how to try this. The US staff is wonderful, however I do know we’re going to place up a superb battle. I imagine on this staff, and I believe we will do it.”
Crew Europe needed to battle again from shedding the opening session in a clear sweep to retain the trophy 12 months in the past and Leona Maguire – who registered three factors from her 5 matches – believes captain Pettersen has taken lots of learnings from that efficiency.
“Whereas we did carry again the trophy, there was lots of issues that didn’t fairly go proper in Spain,” Maguire admitted. “I believe, to be truthful to her, she was very open to suggestions, and he or she’s taken lots of that on board.
“I believe she’s just a little bit calmer this time round. I believe she’s counting on her assistant captains and he or she’s trusting her personal instincts rather a lot. Everyone goes to have an opinion what you probably did proper and what you probably did mistaken. I believe she has to stay to her weapons and go along with what she believes is true.”
Who will win the 2024 Solheim Cup? Watch completely stay this September on Sky Sports activities! Reside protection from the opening ceremony begins at 9.30pm on Thursday, with the opening day’s play stay on the Friday from 11.30am. Stream the Solheim Cup and extra with NOW.