EXPERT GOLF TIPS: SOLHEIM CUP

The biggest team’s event in women’s golf takes place at Finca Cortesin in the Andalucia region of Spain with the biggest names from Europe and the US battling it out in match play conditions.

It is stunning that two-time defending champions Europe are such a big price in this even if they are marginal favourites. While another close contest is expected, Europe looks to be well-placed to claim a third straight Solheim Cup for the first time. When taking the Top 20 players in the world, Europe have five compared to four from the United States. They have an experienced cohort that has six of the nine players with Solheim Cup experience having a better than 50% record including Leona MAguire, Celine Boutier and Charley Hull with records north of 65%. The USA has four of seven hit at better than 50% but only Nelly Korda has a record of better than 65%. At the LPGA Bank Of Hope Match Play this season, four of this European team made the quarter finals. Not a single American team member advanced past the Round of 16, where it was six Europeans against three from Team USA. Europe ticks every box.

World No.5 Celine Boutier is Europe’s highest ranked player and in her two Solheim Cups the tough Frenchwoman has built an elite 5-1-1 record. She reached the quarters of the Bank of Hope Match Play so it is clear she is an elite exponent of this format. He record in Europe is also elite, having won The Evian this year – and then following it up with a win in the Scottish Open. She should be playing in every session and shapes as a fabulous bet.

Lilia Vu has had an amazing season that has seen her win two majors and rise to No.1in the world. It stands to reason she should have a big Solheim Cup. The 25yo has won in Europe this year and finished T-17 at the LPGA Match Play and she comes into this in sensational form. Looks a strong bet.