England’s Charley Hull and Lottie Woad will lead off Europe’s bid to win back the Solheim Cup from the United States in Friday’s foursomes.
It was no great surprise from European captain Anna Nordqvist as the pair, ranked seventh and eighth in the world, had practised together this week but their task will be a tough one as they are up against the USA’s top pair in Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz.
Korda, the world number one who won two of her four majors this year, and Corpuz have won all four of their foursomes matches across the last two editions of the contest.
Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen and France’s Celine Boutier take on Alison Lee and Lauren Coughlin in match two, with Germany’s Esther Henseleit and Ireland’s Leona Maguire facing Andrea Lee and debutant Lindy Duncan.
Swedish duo Maja Stark and Linn Grant close out the morning session against Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho.
Rookie Woad, off at 6.40am BST, said: “I’ve very happy to play with Charly, I don’t think anyone would say they were not happy to play with Charly.”
Asked whether she had taken any advice about handling first-tee nerves she added: “They just said you can’t really describe it so I guess I’ll find out tomorrow.”
After unruly fan behaviour at the Ryder Cup last year both captains stressed the significance of sportsmanship at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands.
Initially addressing fans Swede Nordqvist – who mirrored Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome by briefly speaking in the host’s language, said: “Make it loud, make it unforgettable.
“To my players: be brave, play with heart, play for each other and never forget the 11 team-mates standing beside you because this week we are not 12 individuals, we are one team.”
United States captain Angela Stanford said: “Be loud and support every woman on this stage.
“Ride the highs, make it through the lows and enjoy every moment.”
Angel Yin took her place with her team-mates on the stage for the opening ceremony, which appeared to dispel any doubts about her participation this week.
The 27-year-old has not completed a 72-hole tournament since May and only played in one LPGA Tour event since June, missing the cut by 13 shots on her return to action from an undisclosed stomach issue which has seen her lose two and a half stone in weight.