European Solheim Cup team warned to expect a hostile reception in Virginia – Irish Golfer Magazine

Team Europe are looking to hang onto the Solheim Cup for a record-breaking fourth successive occasion when they face off against the United States this weekend at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, but they should be prepared for an extremely hostile reception from the partisan galleries.

That’s the view of former European captain Mickey Walker anyway, and the woman who led Europe into battle on four occasions is better placed than most to know.

“The Americans will feel it is essential to win and it’s going to be difficult for Europe because it can get quite hostile,” said Walker to BBC Sport.

“The American crowds will be out there to win it. It will be very pro-American and that will be really tough.

“Those that have played before will know what to expect and they will be as prepared as they can be, but it’s a lonely place when you’re out there playing and 90% of the support is American.”

Though the Solheim Cup has had arguably more controversy than the Ryder Cup, it’s largely been limited to inside the ropes as players and controversial rulings have often taken centre stage, but the fans at the Ryder Cup have become increasingly hostile towards the visiting teams and despite her fears, Walker hopes that it doesn’t become commonplace for the women’s event.

“The past two Ryder Cups have been bordering on the crowds not behaving very well because they have been so much behind their team,” she added.

“Rome was the worst it has been in Europe. I don’t like it. You want to win just by playing the better golf.”