Europe's team spirit vital to Solheim Cup chances, says Sarah Stirk

The Solheim Cup is almost upon us, and Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk believes the team spirit in the European team will help them emulate their historic victory in Colorado two years ago.

Sarah fronted Sky's coverage of the memorable 2013 contest as Europe recorded their first win on American soil, and Carin Koch's side will bid to make further history in Germany this week with an unprecedented third straight triumph in the competition.

Team USA will once again go into the contest as overwhelming favourites, but the team ethic and togetherness among Europe's squad cannot be underestimated - as they proved so emphatically two years ago.

"I absolutely loved it in Colorado," said Sarah, who will conduct the opening ceremony at St Leon-Rot on Thursday before heading for the studio to present Sky Sports' live coverage. "It was the first Solheim Cup I had worked on, and the first big match play event I had presented.

"It was only my second year with Sky Sports, and it was an amazing experience to be in Colorado. Our studio overlooked the first tee and the atmosphere was just incredible. The build-up was dominated by talk of how dominant the American team were going to be, and the fact that Europe had never won on US soil and were underdogs with six rookies on the team.

"But it turned out to be similar to the Ryder Cup in many ways - something about team competition brings out the best in the European players and makes them more of a unit, there's more togetherness. Liselotte Neumann got her team to gel from the start and they all worked together beautifully, which was quite a feat considering how much inexperience there was in the team.

Team spirit

"It was amazing viewing. Home advantage is often a key factor in team competition, but the European team spirit was the difference in Colorado. Every player stepped up their game and it was a quite brilliant performance."

Live Solheim Cup Golf

Europe had six rookies in Colorado, but the only rookie on show this year is America's Alison Lee, and Sarah believes Carin Koch's side has more strength in depth than in previous Solheim Cups.

"This year's team is possibly even stronger than in 2013," she added. "There's a really nice blend of youth and experience. Anna Nordqvist and Suzann Pettersen have both won on the LPGA Tour this year, and Mel Reid has been in great form and having her back in the team is a bonus.

"Mel sadly lost her mother in a car accident in Munich in 2012, and she has worked so hard to rebuild her career since then. Sometimes, the side-stories such as this one can help bring the team together even more, and Mel's team-mates are certain to rally round her and give her all the support she needs.

The only rookie in this year's Solheim Cup is Alison Lee, which is very unusual. But Europe have a similar team to the one they had in Colorado, so there are plenty of players with winning memories from two years ago."

None of the European team were able to make an impact at last week's Evian Championship as Lydia Ko romped away with the final major of the season, but Sarah insists that form going into a Solheim Cup can often be disregarded.

Creamer concern

"I'm not reading too much into performances at the Evian Championship last week. Four players from each side missed the cut, but the main concern for USA captain Juli Inkster will be the form of Paula Creamer - she's not had a great year by here standards.

"However, we've seen many times that players out of form can suddenly lift themselves for a team event. Occasionally, some may crumble under the pressure of trying not to let their team-mates down, or you can be galvanised by the team-spirit and it can inspire you."

Sarah will be joined in the studio by the legendary Dame Laura Davies, while former USA Solheim Cup star Nicole Castrale will be making her first appearance in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

"We've got a great team in the studio," Sarah added. "I loved working with Dame Laura in Colorado and she'll be joining us again in Germany. As with two years ago, she'll be bitterly disappointed not to be in the team, but she's very professional and it's great to work with someone who has such expertise and knowledge of the event. And I'm looking forward to having Nicole with us representing the Americans.

"I genuinely think that Europe will win again and it will be the first time they have won the Solheim Cup three consecutive times. Their performance in Colorado will be a hard act to follow.

"I just love match play, and it's an honour to be a part of it."