Georgia Hall wary of Solheim Cup’s feisty past ahead of battle with the USA as Europe chase historic third straight triumph

• The biennial showdown with the US has developed a reputation as a feisty clash 
• Team US captain has dubbed her side the ‘underdogs’ in Andalucia this weekend
• Hall is happy indulge in bullish expectations for a very strong Team Europe  

Georgia Hall is crossing her fingers for no controversy at this year’s Solheim Cup – but is doing nothing to hide her confidence that Europe will win.

The biennial showdown between against the US has developed a reputation as one of the feistiest encounters in sport.

With Europe chasing an historic third straight victory this week, eruptions of discord are easy to find in the recent past. Just two years ago, Madelene Sagstrom was reduced to tears on the opening-day fourballs after being penalised for picking up her opponent’s ball too quickly when Nelly Korda of the US had seemingly missed a putt for eagle.

In turn that followed a litany of little and large rows, which include the 2015 gimme-gate involving current European captain Suzann Pettersen and arguments around a drop taken by Spain’s Carlota Ciganda in 2013.

Hall, making her fourth appearance in the match, is now hopeful that this year’s clash passes without incident. She told Mail Sport: ‘I think it’s quite funny when you watch it, because there’s so many different rules and match play in general and people get very serious and very competitive out there.

Team Europe’s Georgia Hall is hopeful that this year’s Solheim Cup will prove light on drama

The 2018 British Open champion is confident about Europe’s chances in the competition on home soil

‘So I think it all depends on the players, but I have my fingers crossed this year. I just hope there’s none. Just pure sportsmanship.

‘But you never know. Hopefully I’m not involved in any of that.’

The two sides appear evenly matched this year, though a general consensus favours Europe to capitalise their home advantage. US Captain Stacy Lewis has seemingly made a strategy of calling her side the underdogs and Hall is evidently happy to oblige her with bullish declarations about the strength of the home team.

She said: ‘I think we have the strongest team by far on paper that we’ve ever had. I mean, we have five players in the top 20 in the world (compared to four on the American side) and the rest of our team is very consistent.

‘We feel confident. Being at home as well is an advantage.’

Hall, the 2018 British Open champion, is also hopeful of getting sent out early in the Sunday singles, with the stated aim of being drawn against one of the American leading lights.

‘I’ve played a lot of the big names from the US,’ she said. ‘I’ve played Paula Creamer second out, I beat Lexi Thompson and I was against Nelly (Korda) in 2021. I always want to play against the best player they have because I’m not really afraid of losing.

‘If they beat me then that’s fine, but I always want that challenge. So I’m not scared, (wanting) to be in the middle of the pack. I would rather go out in the first two or three.’

US captain Stacy Lewis dubbed Team US ‘underdogs’ and Hall is happy to rise to the occasion

 Georgia Hall is sponsored by Italian fashion brand Duca Del Cosma

Source: Read Full Article