Solheim Cup underway at Killeen
The 2011 Solheim Cup is underway at Killeen Castle following an opening ceremony attended by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. European team captain Alison Nicholas hopes she has found the recipe for success by mixing youth and experience in the opening series of foursomes as Europe bids to regain The Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle in Ireland. The European Captain also managed to spring a surprise on her US counterpart, Rosie Jones, by sending Suzann Pettersen, the world No 2, out in the final pairing. The US lead 8-3 overall and both Captains are aware of how vital it is to get off to a good start and build momentum. Nicholas, captaining Europe for a second time, has sent out the Swedish pair of Maria Hjorth and Anna Norqdvist in the first match of the opening foursomes and they will face Michelle Wie and Cristie Kerr. An all-English pair of rookie Melissa Reid and Karen Stupples are in the second match against Paula Creamer and Brittany Lincicome, while Scotland's Catriona Matthew, a six-time Solheim veteran, joins Spanish rookie Azahara Munoz in match three versus Stacy Lewis and Angela Stanford. In the final foursomes, world No.2 Pettersen, the highest ranked player on show this week, and Sophie Gustafson, a four-time Irish Ladies' Open Champion, face Brittany Lang and Juli Inkster, who becomes the oldest Solheim player at the age of 51. Rosie Jones, the US Captain, has four of the world's top ten in her side and she is relying on her big hitters after a week of heavy rain and cold, windy conditions. After four days of intense preparation, gala dinners and opening ceremonies, both Captains agreed it was time for the talking to stop and the play to begin. They shared one prediction: it is going to be close. Foursomes (Europe names first): 7.40am: Maria Hjorth and Anna Nordqvist v Michelle Wie and Cristie Kerr 7.52am: Karen Stupples and Melissa Reid v Paula Creamer and Brittany Lincicome 8.04am: Catriona Matthew and Azahara Munoz v Stacy Lewis and Angela Stanford 8.16am: Suzann Pettersen and Sophie Gustafson v Brittany Lang and Juli Inkster