Solheim cup 2023: What to expect from US team

The 18th edition of the Solheim Cup 2023 started today and will end on Sunday, September 24, at the Finca Cortesín in Casares, Andalusia, Spain. It's a biennial competition between women professional golfers from the United States and Europe. Stacy Lewis is leading the U.S. team for the first time, while Suzann Peterson is leading the European team for the first time.

The last competition was won by Europe with a score of 15-13. It will be interesting to see how the U.S. will turn the game around after losing at home in the last match held at the Inverness Club in 2021. However, in history, the U.S. has claimed victory in 10 out of 17 editions since 1990. According to the rules, the team that scores 14.5 points first will be declared the winner of the Solheim Cup.

The Finca Cortesin course is one of the largest in Europe, with 72 layouts that measure nearly 7,500 yards. The competition features 12 players on each team, with a similar format to the Ryder Cup.

Stacy Lewis, captain of the U.S. team, mentioned during a press conference on Wednesday that she believed it was a massive missed opportunity. She expressed concern about the crossover of the Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup in the same year, feeling that such a scheduling overlap dampened the passion for the sport among fans.

On the other side, the Europeans are described as the strongest team in this session. Europe will aim to maintain their rhythm and strive for their first hat-trick at the Solheim Cup. Lewis also acknowledges the advantage Europe has on their home ground. She added, "They have won the last two, we're on their soil, they have a great team that has a ton of experience in this event. So, if you look at history, it doesn't bode well for us. But I love our chances. I love these rookies. I think they're going to have a great week and hopefully surprise a lot of people."

It will be interesting to see how the U.S. women's golf team performs, carrying the weight of past failures and the responsibility for the future.