Solheim Cup: Neumann wants to make history for Europe

European Solheim Cup captain Liselotte Neumann may call the United States home but for the next three days she will be in enemy territory.

The Swede, the 1988 US Women’s Open champion, is looking to defend Europe’s title by masterminding a first victory in America in the competition’s 23-year existence.

Should she do so the 47-year-old and her players will make history and that is what she set her sights on when she accepted the captaincy.

“I love being in America and I will probably never move back to Sweden,” she said ahead of the start of the competition at Colorado Golf Club in Parker today.

“I have actually lived longer in America than I have in Sweden and I love this country but when it comes to the Solheim Cup, I’m so European.

“In fact, you would probably have a hard time finding someone more Euro than me.

“I just love this event, being part of the first one in 1990 and just being part of the growth is quite amazing. Now I’m ready for the challenge to try and make some history.”

Neumann revealed she has received messages of support from former Ryder Cup captains Jose Maria Olazabal, Colin Montgomerie and current incumbent Paul McGinley.