Solheim Cup: Leona Maguire downplays expectations as Suzann Pettersen reveals Europe plans | Golf news

Leona Maguire earned 4.5 points on her Solheim Cup debut in 2021; Can Team Europe achieve a historic third straight victory against Team USA? Watch the opening ceremony live on Thursday from 5pm on Sky Sports Golf before the first day live on Friday from 6.30am.

Leona Maguire is refusing to put any extra pressure on herself as she looks to build on her stellar Solheim Cup debut and help create history for Team Europe this week in Spain.

Maguire was the top scorer for Catriona Matthew’s side in a 15-13 win in 2021, earning 4.5 points in an unbeaten debut as Team Europe successfully defended their title on American soil .

The Irishwoman has won twice on the LPGA Tour in the two years since and competed in several majors during that time, cementing herself in the world’s top 20, with Maguire likely to play a role key for Suzann Pettersen’s team at Finca Cortesin.

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As the Solheim Cup begins on September 22, we look back at some classic moments of victory over the years between Team USA and Team Europe.

The European team is aiming for a third consecutive victory against the American team for the first time in the history of the tournament, although Maguire has played down the prospect of his brilliant achievements in his previous participation in the Solheim Cup.

“Obviously last time everything went as well as it could have been, but it’s a completely new event this time,” Maguire said at his pre- tournament. “It’s a whole new venue and a whole new team, both on the European and American side.

“I think the United States has a fantastic team this time. I think they have a team that is young and ready to go. Ultimately, I will try to win as many points as possible, but we are just going to prepare as best we can. and I’m going in with very low expectations like last time, the same way I approach any other event.

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A look back at the best shots in Solheim Cup history

“Just because it has worked well in the past doesn’t really make a difference this time. I almost feel like a rookie playing at home again. It’s all still a new experience for me, so I’m just going to try and enjoy the week as much as I can and feed off the energy of the crowd.”

Maguire won 2.5 points alongside Mel Reid in 2021 and one point alongside former AIG Women’s Open champion Georgia Hall, although she was seen playing a practice round with Anna Nordqvist, Caroline Hedwall and Madelene Sagstrom on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old held her pre-tournament press conference alongside reigning Evian Championship winner Céline Boutier, with both men hinting at the possibility of them playing together at some point during of this year’s event.

“I think we have a fantastic team this week,” added Maguire. “I think there are a lot of options for who can play with who. It’s obviously a new team and you’ll see some familiar pairs and some new pairs.

“She (Pettersen) has done a lot, she’s done nine herself, so she knows what she’s doing. So I think Céline (Boutier) and I are quite flexible. We’ll play with pretty much anyone, so we” I’m going to do whatever Suzann needs us to do this week.

Pettersen: Europe knows the plan for Friday!

Team Europe had 11 of their 12 players involved in training rounds on Tuesday, with only Charley Hull missing as a precaution due to a slight neck problem, as speculation gathered over potential partnerships that could be used by Pettersen on opening day.

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European team captain Suzann Pettersen looks ahead to the 2023 Solheim Cup and says the players are determined on what happens on Friday when it comes to the pairs.

“I have already been very transparent with the players and literally told them what we were thinking for Friday morning,” Pettersen told Sky Sports. “I wanted the players to take ownership and the earlier they know, the easier it is for them to prepare.

“I think the players are pretty committed to what’s going to happen on Friday, which I think is great. As a player, I’ve always appreciated getting the information as early as possible. see them play in the practice rounds could have a lot to say about who they’re potentially playing with (Friday), that’s for sure.”

Eight of the winners from two years ago return this time around, with Caroline Hedwall also part of previous successes, with the strength of depth at her disposal leaving Pettersen plenty to consider.

“Women’s golf is about to explode,” Pettersen added. “It’s huge in Asia, it’s big in the United States and it’s obviously getting stronger and stronger here in Europe. I think the strength of the team shows the strength of European talent coming through.

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Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf podcast, Suzann Pettersen joked her biggest job during the Solheim Cup will be keeping Carlota Ciganda in check in front of a home crowd in Spain.

“It’s going to be fun to see all these players step up and embrace it. It’s great to have a strong team but it gives me a lot of headaches. Not everyone can play every game, so it We need to bench some good players, but it’s a good problem to have.

“With good performances there are also expectations, but the good thing here is that the players are so up for it. I don’t need to say anything to inspire or motivate them – they are just motivated and ready to go.”

Who will win the 2023 Solheim Cup? Watch exclusively live this September on Sky Sports! Live coverage of the opening ceremony begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 21, with the opening day performance live on Friday from 6:30 a.m. Stream the Solheim Cup and more with NOW.