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Catriona Matthew says its time for the ladies to follow in the footsteps of the winning European Ryder and Walker Cup sides to complete a clean sweep over America. And she is backing on Team Europe’s knowledge of Killeen Castle to provide a boost to their chances. “It’s not often that you come to a Solheim and know the course so that has made it easier,” said the winner of last month’s Aberdeen Ladies’ Scottish Open. “There is more time to relax and to save energy before the play gets started.“I think we have a really good chance. You could say we’re quietly confident. Obviously, the US team is favourite on paper and when you look at the world rankings. But we have a good blend and our rookies are all great players.“I think it is important for the whole Solheim Cup that we win this week. It’s 8-3 in their favour but all the matches have been close and I’m sure it will be the same this week.” The 2009 Ricoh Women’s British Open Champion is making her sixth Solheim appearance and has already shown her liking for the course with a top six finish in last month’s AIB Irish Ladies’ Open.England’s Karen Stupples made her Solheim Cup debut at Crooked Stick in 2005 and the trip to Indianapolis doesn’t hold the best of memories for the 2004 Women’s British Open Champion. But she is looking forward to a second attempt at battling it out against a US team at Killeen Castle and she hopes Ireland will be a happier hunting ground. “My golf wasn’t good going into the matches last time,” admitted the 38-year-old. “And it is hard to find your game during the Solheim. It was tough because I wasn’t playing well and I didn’t want to let people down.“But this time I feel I am playing well and it’s lovely to be here. Everything is fantastic and I think we have a very good chance.” |
