Solheim Cup pressure on USA, says Europe's Carin Koch
Thursday 30 April 2015 11:00, UK
European captain Carin Koch insists the pressure will be on the American side rather than the holders at this autumn’s Solheim Cup in Germany.
The hosts will be going for an unprecedented third straight victory this September, looking to follow on from a record-breaking 18-10 win in Colorado two years ago.
Despite being convincingly beaten at the last meeting, Koch feels it's the visitors, who boast three of the world's top ten in their side, that are expected to come out on top this time around.
“I would have thought the American’s are under more pressure,” Koch told Sportswomen. “I mean they have lost the last two, we’re on a high we’re on a roll. But there’s always pressure.
“It’s important for Europe that we have a good event and that we play well and that we win. I think every time it seems like we are the underdogs on paper. It’s a little bit similar to the Ryder Cup as well. We just come together as such a strong team.
“In Colorado the team spirit we had there, we had so much fun the whole week. That’s what I’m really looking for, for the girls to have a great week that they will always remember.”
Following suit
Koch admits she’ll be taking a leaf out of former men’s captain Paul McGinley style of leadership, having watched their male counterparts win a fourth Ryder Cup in five tournaments last autumn.
The Swede was an assistant captain to compatriot Liselotte Neumann who led the side in 2013, but the two-time winner as a player is now relishing a chance to put her own stamp on the European side.
“You have to let the players do what they have to do and stay out of their way really but also to be a captain, to be there for them and to be fully prepared.
“Paul McGinley’s preparations and his attention to detail were really impressive. I’ll be doing that but I will be my own captain.
“I’ll be more nervous this time than I was as a player because there are so many things that you want to be right after preparing for such a long time.
“There are so many details which I want to be perfect so I’ll be needing a vacation afterwards I think.”
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