September 1 (Reuters) – Winning a Solheim Cup in enemy territory has always been a tall order, but restrictions on some travelers to the United States due to COVID-19 will magnify the task at hand, members said on Wednesday of the European team.

Unlike previous editions of the biennial women’s team event between Europe and the United States which drew enthusiastic supporters from both teams, the Solheim Cup September 4-6 in Toledo, Ohio will increase the home advantage. American women.

“We’ll just have to come to terms with the fact that we don’t know if there will be fans other than other people important to us,” Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist told reporters at Inverness Club.

“But we did meet and I think that’s the most important.”

Europe are the reigning champions after winning the 2019 event in Scotland. The United States holds a 10-6 lead in the Solheim Cup competition.

There were only four occasions when the visiting team won. Europe’s only road victory came in 2013 at Colorado Golf Club.

“The fact that we’ve only won once in Colorado shows how difficult it is to win away from home,” said European captain Catriona Matthew.

“Obviously this year it’s going to be harder and more of a challenge for us, but I think somehow we can get there. Rather than just thinking we’re going to have a few fans, we’re kind of waiting. really … about zero fans.

“A few Europeans who may be living in the United States can make it here, but it certainly won’t be the same presence we normally have in an away game.”

Madelene Sagstrom, who is playing her second Solheim Cup, said her team would be eager to silence American fans.

“From the perspective of the fans and where we are from, I think we’re more of that, maybe that underdog playing on American soil,” Sagstrom said.

“But we’re already talking about it, we know what to expect and we’re going to give them something to shut up, that’s for sure.”

Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto, editing by Ed Osmond

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