Solheim Cup Tips: Europe to continue opening-day hot streak
Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia is the setting for the 19th edition of the Solheim Cup and it promises to be another enthralling battle between the USA and Europe this week.
While the US lead the overall head-to-head record 10-8, Europe has enjoyed a purple patch in recent years with victories in 2019 and 2021 followed by a tie in 2023, a result that saw them retain the trophy.
Suzann Pettersen's holders face a tough challenge to keep the cup on foreign soil, but they have won two of the last three Solheim Cups in America, triumphing in Colorado in 2013 and Ohio last year.
Team USA: Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Lauren Coughlin, Ally Ewing, Allisen Corpuz, Megan Khang, Andrea Lee, Rose Zhang, Alison Lee, Sarah Schmelzel, Jennifer Kupcho, Lexi Thompson.
Team Europe: Charley Hull, Esther Henseleit, Celine Boutier, Maja Stark, Linn Grant, Leona Maguire, Carlota Ciganda, Madelene Sagstrom, Georgia Hall, Anna Nordqvist, Albane Valenzuela, Emily Kristine Pedersen.
Betting Tip 1: Europe - Day 1 Winner @ 5/4
USA boast a strong team spearheaded by the world's two leading players, Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu, but while they may end up lifting the trophy for the first time since 2017, they don't offer great value at 8/13 to do so.
Europe has put in superb performances to win four of the last seven editions, with two defeats and a tie in the other two results, and they will fancy their chances of causing an upset in Virginia.
Captain Pettersen will be hoping her troops come out strongly on the opening day and put themselves into an early lead, something they have had great success with.
Of the 18 previous editions, Europe have been leading after day one 10 times compared to USA's seven, with the two teams level once.
The Europeans have taken a lead into day two in five of the last seven Solheim Cups, with two of those coming on American soil, and they can make another fast start on Friday.
Betting Tip 2: Allisen Corpuz - Top USA Points Scorer @ 12/1
Finding good pairings who thrive in high-pressure situations can be tough but Allisen Corpuz is arguably one of the best teammates someone could have when it comes to the Solheim Cup.
The 2023 US Women's Open champion was unbeaten in foursomes and fourballs last year, contributing 2.5 points from a possible three, and her reliability from tee-to-green makes her a great partner.
Corpuz is second in driving accuracy and 11th in greens in regulation on the LPGA Tour this season and given how easy she is to pair with others, the chances of her playing four or possibly all five sessions seems high.
Betting Tip 3: Leona Maguire - Top European Points Scorer @ 8/1
Leona Maguire has been a star performer for Europe since making her Solheim Cup debut in 2021 and she boasts a win-loss-halve record of 7-2-1.
The 29-year-old from Ireland played in all five sessions three years ago and ended the week undefeated, amassing a brilliant 4.5 points, while she was again sent out in every session in 2023 as she claimed three points.
While she has not been at her scintillating best this season, Maguire's attitude and determination makes her built for the Solheim Cup, and she can play another starring role.