Nicole Castrale feels the USA have the edge ahead of the Solheim Cup

Ahead of being part of Sky Sports' commentary team at this week's Solheim Cup, two-time winner Nicole Castrale looks back at her past memories and explains how the USA could have the edge in Germany.

From what I've seen, the Americans are so determined to win the Cup back. If there was one captain to grind it out and bring the Cup back home, it would be Juli Inkster.

She's admired by everyone on the team and they've all played with her. She's everybody's role model and she's a captain that all the team want to play for.

The team has a bit of a different look about it and they're very focused and determined not to taste defeat again.  On paper they're the stronger team, and they are also longer hitters generally, which could be crucial on a course that appears to be playing very long. 

The course is wet and soft and there's not much roll, so it suits the players that hit it higher. With the USA team very good ball strikers, I'd like to think they have the slight edge this week, but it will be close.

There are a few players not in their best form, but this is a different kind of competition. The adrenaline will be flying and you're playing for the team rather than just yourself.

"I'd like to think they (the USA) have the slight edge this week, but it will be close."

Once the first tee shot is out of the way, previous form can pretty much be discounted. It often comes down to who can get their putter heated up.

It's also a rare opportunity to play match play, so it's a different dynamic. If there was more match play I think the players would welcome it.

Strong memories

I was lucky enough to hole the winning putt on my debut in 2007. It was on the 16th hole and I made it from around eight feet, but I didn't know at the time that I had won the overall match.

I was aware of the crowd getting a little quieter so I knew we were close, but I had no idea my putt was the clincher. But when I looked back on the tee and Paula (Creamer) was hugging Betsy King, I kind of knew that was it.

Meg Mallon and Beth Daniel then congratulated me and I thought initially that was just for winning my match, but then they told me my point had won the Solheim Cup.

It was a great experience, and I remember being nervous at the start of the week. But I was good friends with a number of girls on the team so I kind of knew what to expect.

I focused on my game and learning the golf course, but I think the magnitude of the occasion really hit me during the opening ceremony.

It was a very different experience playing on home soil, as the crowd was obviously behind us and I had a lot more family and friends watching.

I felt a lot more comfortable in my second appearance. We had a very similar team to 2007 and we were all pretty good friends. There were a lot more obligations being the home team, but we were very organised in terms of dealing with the media and the fans.

Future plans

In terms of getting my playing career going again, I'm really not sure right now. I've had four shoulder surgeries, the last one was in 2010, and I had hip surgery in 2013.

Live Solheim Cup Golf

I've also been struggling with a herniated disc in my back for the last year or so. I'm just taking it one day at a time and we'll see what happens.

Right now I'm enjoying the TV opportunities that I'm having. I've been on Morning Drive on the Golf Channel in the United States for a while now. I was working for them during the Evian Championship and then I flew here for the Solheim.

I'm really looking forward to being in the booth for Sky Sports. It's a little different from what I'm used to, but I'm really excited about it.

Hopefully I can give the viewers plenty of inside knowledge on the players and what it's like to be part of the Solheim Cup.

I'll be working with Mickey (Walker) and Laura (Davies). I've known Laura for years and played with her a few times, so it will be good fun.

Nicole Castrale is part of Sky Sports' commentary team in Germany, with all three days of the Solheim Cup live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf.