Nine ways to get a grip on the Solheim Cup

If you're new to the Solheim Cup and the 2009 version with the top U.S. and Europe female golfers competing this week at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, here are 9 questions and 9 answers to get you comfortable at the first tee.

No. 1: Let's start with the basics: What is match play?

A: Match play is a game played by holes, not cumulative score. A hole is won by a player or side with the lowest score on that particular hole.

Score is kept by the number of holes up (won) and the number of holes to play. For example, if the European team wins the first hole, they would be 1-up with 17 holes to play.

No. 2: When does a team win a match?

A: A side wins a match when it is up by more holes than there are holes remaining. Huh, you say? For example, if the U.S. pairing is 2-up after 17 holes, they win the match because there is no possible chance for the European pros to catch up with only one hole remaining.

No. 3: Sunday's play features 12 singles matches - one European player against one U.S. player - but on Friday and Saturday the teams will compete in four-ball and foursome matches. What's the difference between the two formats?

A: Four-ball play is where the two players from each team play their own balls and their own scores, so "four balls" are in play on each hole. The team whose player posts the lowest score on the hole wins that hole.

Foursomes play is where two golfers from the U.S. compete against two Europeans and the golfers on each team alternate shots until the ball is holed out.

The foursomes format will be used in the afternoon rounds on Friday and Saturday, while the four-ball format will be the morning format both days.

No. 4: Which team has the advantage in these formats?

A: When it comes to four-ball, U.S. team captain Beth Daniel says there's really no advantage, but in the foursome format she gives the European team the edge.

"The Europeans play the foursome format a lot so they're more comfortable with it," Daniel said. "They play it growing up. It's like a lost art in the United States."

No. 5: Will Rich Harvest be a good venue for match play?

A: Everyone seems to think so.

"There's a lot of character to it," U.S. player Natalie Gulbis said. "You can end up in the trees pretty quickly and it's nice to know you can start over on the next hole (laughs).

"It's a very unique golf course, it's got a lot of character. It's going to be a perfect venue for a Solheim Cup because it's tough because you can make birdies but you can also make bogeys and get into trouble.

"It's going to be a perfect venue because this property is just so gorgeous. I think fans are going to be really excited when they see how picturesque this place is."

Her captain, Beth Daniel, agrees.

"It's very difficult; that's why I urged our players to come in early and play," Daniel said. "The things that (course owner/designer) Jerry Rich has done to this golf course for the Solheim Cup are pretty incredible."

No. 6: There are so many spectacular holes at Rich Harvest farms. Which one might provide the most excitement?

A: Try No. 4, the dogleg known affectionately as "Devil's Elbow."

"The fourth is a completely different golf hole now," captain Beth Daniel said. "There was a lot of debate about that hole. Is it too difficult? Is it too narrow? Do the trees overhang too much?

"They've pruned those trees back and every single player said No. 4 is the best hole on the golf course. And it is. It's still a very difficult golf hole, but it's fair."

No. 7: How good is this U.S. team?

A: With leading money earner in Cristie Kerr and strong players like Paula Creamer and Angela Stanford, they are the big favorites and it looks like they'll be tough to beat.

"We're very much aware of that," Christina Kim said of the U.S. squad being the favorites. "Europe has a very strong team. They have a lot of girls with a lot of experience on the Solheim Cup, especially on a golf course like this - you never know what's going to happen. It's such a fantastic golf course and it's so demanding and it's so good for match play that there's no guarantee of what's going to happen.

"We're here to win. We're here to retain the Cup."

No. 8: Does the European team have a chance, especially since it has yet to win on American soil in this series?

A: They sure think so.

"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)."

"Anything is possible," said European captain Alison Nicholas. "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."

No. 9: Can you do that without recently retired superstar Annika Sorenstam anchoring the team?

A: "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."