STAGE IS SET AS SPAIN PREPARES TO HOST THE 2023 SOLHEIM CUP

After counting down the days, the week of the 2023 Solheim Cup is upon us with Spain hosting the prestigious competition for the first time ever.

Finca Cortesin is the stunning backdrop for the battle that will take place between the European Team and the U.S. Team from Friday through to Sunday.

Team Europe is looking to make history as they hope to win for a third time in a row โ€“ a feat they have never done before – while, after back-to-back losses, the U.S. Team is hoping to reclaim the coveted trophy that they last won in 2017.

Suzann Pettersen is at the helm for Europe, a leader and a fierce player who was defined in her career by the Solheim Cup, with Stacy Lewis leading the charge for the U.S.

As the anticipation grows around the competition, there are rookies in the mix this week with the European side having three and the American side having five.

But there is also a lot of experience on both sides. The European Teamโ€™s average age is 28.25 while they have played in a combined 31 Solheim Cups earning 68.5 points.

The U.S. also has some stalwarts in their team, but they are a younger side with an average age of 25.83 having played in a combined 15 Solheim Cups and 30.5 points.

With a few days of build-up โ€“ including the PING Junior Solheim Cup happening at La Zagaleta โ€“ there is plenty of buzz ahead of the competition which begins on Friday.

The teams will start with foursomes on Friday morning followed by fourball in the afternoon, with the same format on Saturday, and the 12 singles matches on Sunday.

A challenging golf course awaits the two teams on the par-71 of Finca Cortesin with difficult terrain ahead.

But with plenty of risk and reward โ€“ including on the first hole โ€“ itโ€™s all to play for as the teams look to collect as many points as they can, in order to lift the trophy, come Sunday evening.

Follow all the action on @LETGolf  and @SolheimCupEuro on Instagram and X and Ladies European Tour on Facebook and YouTube โ€“ #RaiseOurGame #VamosGirls.