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From karaoke machines to letters from home, U.S. captain Stacy Lewis is keeping the Americans relaxed and pressure-free as they attempt to end a Solheim Cup drought against Europe.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t motivated to lift the trophy for the first time since 2017 when the 19th edition of the women’s golf event gets underway at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on Friday.
“They want that trophy,” Lewis said. “They’ll talk about it, but I think they just need to have fun, enjoy themselves and relax.”
Lewis gifted them a karaoke machine and asked the family to send special messages to be delivered this week to help build camaraderie and smiles.
“This team is hungry and wants to have fun,” Lewis said. “When we’re on the golf course, they work hard. I promise you, they mean business.”
“I feel really good about where we are Friday morning.”
The Americans lead this all-time rivalry 10-7 with one tie, but Europe has lifted the trophy in the last three editions of the event, winning thrillers by 14.5-13.5 and 15-13 before last year’s 14-14 draw in Spain.
“I think the American team is a big favorite this year,” said Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist. “We all expect them to be very strong. I’m pretty confident, we have a very good team. We’re all very excited for the challenge.”
The Americans feature top-ranked Nelly Korda, a six-time LPGA winner this season, and second-ranked Lilia Vu, who won her first two majors in 2023. In total, the Americans feature six of the top 21 players in the world rankings.
“Team USA played better than us on paper and in the world rankings, but I think this week is different,” said Carlota Ciganda of Spain. “You have to make those putts to win and I think all of us Europeans know how to do that.”
“The U.S. team is incredible – Nelly Korda, Lilia, great players – but I know we’re going to fight. I believe in this team and I think we can do it.”
The Europeans are looking for their first consecutive triumph on American soil.
“I can’t wait to play on American soil again,” said France’s Celine Boutier. “A win here would be incredible.”
Four foursomes and four four-ball matches will be played on Friday and Saturday, with 12 singles matches concluding on Sunday.
– No pressure in the American way –
Lewis said that despite recent losses and only two players winning the Cup, Team USA will not let itself get stressed.
“We put a lot of emphasis on what happens in the team room, what happens on the bus,” Lewis said. “Whatever they need to do to stay relaxed.”
“I don’t feel any pressure when I’m in that team room… but the motivation is there. They work hard and they want to win.
“I don’t see it as pressure. It’s not, believe me. They’re having a lot of fun.”
Vu agrees with this.
“We all showed up and we’re all really good players,” Vu said. “We all have a fiery spirit and we all want to win, so I think that should be more than enough.”
Her American teammate Allisen Corpuz says: “There’s always going to be pressure. I think you just have to learn to play with it and manage it.”
For Lexi Thompson, who will retire at the end of the season, this is her seventh participation in the Cup, a high for the American team.
“Of course, there are still some things to work out, but we know what we have to do,” Thompson said. “We have to play great golf.”
Relaxed doesn’t mean uninspired.
“I feel the passion and determination of the team,” said American Andrea Lee. “We all want to win this Cup back.”
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