Suzann Pettersen insists Crew Europe are comfortable to move into the Solheim Cup as “underdogs” and believes her aspect has sufficient high quality to finish a historic four-peat towards america.
Pettersen retains her function as captain for the 2024 version at Robert Trent Jones Golf Membership in Virginia, reside from Friday on Sky Sports activities Golf, the place Europe are defending champions after retaining the trophy with a dramatic 14-14 tie in final 12 months’s contest.
Crew Europe’s comeback in Spain adopted back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2021, the primary time in historical past they’ve held the trophy for 3 consecutive editions, though Crew USA boast the highest two gamers on the earth and might be chasing a primary Solheim Cup success since 2017.
“We are up against a very hungry, revengeful team who wants to win at home and they have the world No 1, so I am happy for the Americans to take the lead role,” Pettersen solely instructed Sky Sports activities.
“We’re used to being the underdogs and are fairly pleased with that. Should you take a look at the final three Solheims, now we have confirmed we’re ok to win.
“Being away it is okay to be humble. Let them have it and we can do our thing peacefully and quietly, prepare and be ready for Friday morning.”
Europe misplaced all 4 matches within the opening session of final 12 months’s contest earlier than making a formidable fightback at Finca Cortesin, whereas 4 of the final 5 Solheim Cups have seen the 2 sides separated by two factors or fewer.
“It is going to take a solid team effort to get it done,” Pettersen added. “It is amazing how often it comes down to a shot here or a putt there with all that golf is played. You need to stay patient, you need a little bit of luck with a few good bounces going your way.
“Final 12 months we got here out of the gate with a shocker of a begin however it was a superb wake-up name, to roll up the sleeves and get to work.
“I feel every moment has its story and the way it turned out last year was like it was meant to be, like a fairytale ending. The Spanish crowd with Carlota [Ciganda] coming down the last. I don’t know if you could script it any better. It was super-exciting.”
The Solheim Cup is historically a biennial contest however is being performed in successive years to keep away from future clashes with the Ryder Cup, with the change which means that Crew Europe have stored 10 of the 12 gamers who featured within the 2023 version.
“It [successive years] has made preparation easier,” Pettersen admitted. “I can draw from some of the experiences last year that worked or didn’t work and team-wise you are obviously going to have lots of the same players.
“On the similar time, it’s a new venue. New golf photographs. New holes. So every little thing is completely different and I do not actually examine.
“The good thing for the European team is that I don’t necessarily have to do much to motivate these girls or inspire them to go out and do it again.
“They’re throughout it and have been throughout it since final September. They’re so up for it.”
Who will win the 2024 Solheim Cup? Watch Team Europe’s bid for history against Team USA this week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage from the opening ceremony is on Sky Sports+ on Thursday from 9.30pm, with day one then live from 11.30am on Friday on Sky Sports Golf.
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