European team not coming here to just hand Solheim Cup to U.S.

Though most would say the star-studded United States team will be the favorite when it hosts Europe in next month's Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, don't underestimate the Euros.

Even if they are without retired superstar Annika Sorenstam and even if they have yet to win on American soil.

"Our team could be great," said Gwladys Nocera of France, who twice has represented Europe in the Solheim Cup. "We're coming to win, there's no doubt about it. We'll see come Sunday (of Solheim Cup week). We're coming to win."

"Anything is possible," European captain Alison Nicholas said. "It's got to turn around at some point, so why not this time? Our players are just as talented. Hopefully they can play just as well and it can be a fight to the end.

"My job is to bring the Cup back."

Even if it's without Sorenstam?

"One player cannot win the Solheim Cup; it's about team," Nicholas said. "I think Annika will be sorely missed and her inspiration can motivate. The players will have to step up to the plate and not rely on others, and that can be an advantage."

Nicholas, her assistant coaches and a handful of her potential players were in town this week to get a feel for the tough layout at Rich Harvest.

"It's fun to play, very different," Nocera said. "I really liked it. It's good to spend some time and learn the course, get a good feel for the course."

"I think this is a great match-play course," said rookie Anna Nordqvist of Sweden. "If you hit it in the rough you're going to be punished. You've got to put it in the right spot.

"You really have to hit quality golf shots, and that suits match play. If you are aggressive it can pay off."

Nicholas, a veteran of numerous Cups both as a player and an assistant coach, was happy her players got a chance to relax and explore the course before the hoopla surrounding Solheim Week kicks in.

"This was good to get used to the layout," she said. "Usually Solheim week is action-packed and you don't have much time to yourself."

Though playing the course this week didn't provide anything close to the heat the players will feel come Solheim Cup battle, Nicholas liked what she saw.

"Today is difficult to tell because you're very relaxed and playing a practice round," she said. "It looked really easy for them.

"I wish I could play like that."