DUNSANY, Ireland – The United States looks to win its fourth consecutive Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle. The 12th edition of the biennial matches begins Friday morning with foursomes. Here is a look at the matchups, along with analysis and projections:
2:40 a.m.: Cristie Kerr and Michelle Wie (U.S.) vs. Maria Hjorth and Anna Nordqvist (Europe)
The lowdown: We’ve seen this matchup before, with Kerr and Wie prevailing, 1 up, at Rich Harvest Farms in ’09. But given the Irish weather and home-crowd advantage, Hjorth and Nordqvist look quite formidable. Kerr’s coming off a missed cut while Wie will be challenged by these contoured greens.
Advantage: Europe
[Coffin: U.S. sends out heavy hitters in morning foursomes]
2:52 a.m.: Paula Creamer and Brittany Lincicome (U.S.) vs. Karen Stupples and Melissa Reid (Europe)
The lowdown: Creamer’s superb in this format. Lincicome’s confidence is high with two LPGA titles this year. Stupples is guiding a rookie’s debut in team competition’s toughest format.
Advantage: U.S.
3:04 a.m.: Stacy Lewis and Angela Stanford (U.S.) vs. Catriona Matthew and Azahara Munoz (Europe)
The lowdown: Lewis is in good form, and the Kraft Nabisco champion won’t look like a Solheim Cup rookie. Stanford loves team competition and relishes quieting opposing crowds. Matthew’s a Euro force with a 10-7-4 record despite playing on losing teams, but will be guiding another Solheim rookie in tough format.
Advantage: U.S.
3:16 a.m.: Juli Inkster and Brittany Lang (U.S.) vs. Suzann Pettersen and Sophie Gustafson (Europe)
The lowdown: Petterson & Gustafson have been paired four times in Solheim foursomes and never lost (1-0-3). Also, they’ve both won tournaments at Killeen Castle on the Ladies European Tour.
Advantage: Europe