Closer Look at Both Solheim Cup Teams

Two years on from that dramatic and controversial finish in Germany, the always compelling Solheim Cup is back on our television screens. Juli Inkster's Americans will be seeking to retain the trophy and avoid 2013's home loss in Colorado, while for Europe - led by the great Annika Sorenstem - the objective is to once again defy the odds and claim a famous triumph. 

The legendary Swede has four rookies on her team this week, including the formidable English pair fo Georgia Hall and Florentyna Parker. Mel Reid, Charley Hull, and Carlota Ciganda make their third appearances, while the experienced heads of Suzann Pettersen and Anna Nordqvist will be invaluable over the three days in Iowa. 

For Inkster, making her second bow as captain, can draw on the significant talents of world number two Lexi Thompson, not to mention major champions Stacy Lewis, Cristie Kerr, Michelle Wie, Brittany Lang and Brittany Lincicome. Veteran Paula Creamer represents her country for a second time after replacing the injured Jessica Korda. 

We take a closer look at both teams and the players who could carry their side over the line to Solheim Cup glory.

Team Europe - Captain Annika Sorenstam

Georgia Hall 

Age: 21

World Ranking: 44

Solheim Cup Record: Rookie

Florentyna Parker

Age: 28

World Ranking: 106

Solheim Cup Record: Rookie

Melissa Reid

Age: 29

World Ranking: 97

Solheim Cup Record: 3rd Appearance. 4-3-1. (W-L-H)

Jodi Ewart Shadoff 

Age: 29

World Ranking: 28

Solheim Cup Record: 2nd Appearance. 2-1-0. (W-L-H)

Carlota Ciganda 

Age: 27

World Ranking: 20

Solheim Cup Record: 3rd Appearance. 4-1-2. (W-L-H)

Suzann Pettersen 

Age: 36

World Ranking: 23

Solheim Cup Record: 9th Appearance. 16-11-6. (W-L-H)

Charley Hull

Age: 21

World Ranking: 25

Solheim Cup Record: 3rd Appearance. 6-2-0. (W-L-H)

Karine Icher 

Age: 38

World Ranking: 42

Solheim Cup Record: 4th Appearance. 5-4-1. (W-L-H)

Anna Nordqvist

Age: 30

World Ranking: 13

Solheim Cup Record: 5th Appearance. 8-7-1. (W-L-H)

Caroline Masson

Age: 28

World Ranking: 49

Solheim Cup Record: 3rd Appearance. 2-3-2. (W-L-H)

Emily Kristine Pedersen

Age: 21

World Ranking: 115

Solheim Cup Record: Rookie

Madelene Sagstrom

Age: 24

World Ranking: 70

Solheim Cup Record: Rookie

Team USA - Captain Juli Inkster

Lexi Thompson

Age: 22

World Ranking: 2

Solheim Cup Record: 3rd Appearance. 3-2-2. (W-L-H)

Stacy Lewis

Age: 32

World Ranking: 19

Solheim Cup Record: 4th Appearance. 4-7-1. (W-L-H)

Gerina Piller

Age: 32

World Ranking: 24

Solheim Cup Record: 3rd Appearance. 3-2-2-. (W-L-H)

Cristie Kerr

Age: 39

World Ranking: 14

Solheim Cup Record: 9th Appearance. 15-14-5. (W-L-H)

Danielle Kang

Age: 24

World Ranking: 21

Solheim Cup Record: Rookie

Michelle Wie

Age: 27

World Ranking: 29

Solheim Cup Record: 5th Appearance. 7-7-1. (W-L-H)

Brittany Lang

Age: 31

World Ranking: 41

Solheim Cup Record: 5th Appearance. 5-6-3. (W-L-H)

Brittany Lincicome

Age: 31

World Ranking: 45

Solheim Cup: 6th Appearance. 5-11-2. (W-L-H)

Lizette Salas

Age: 28

World Ranking: 46

Solheim Cup Record: 3rd Appearance. 1-3-2. (W-L-H)

Austin Ernst

Age: 25

World Ranking: 57

Solheim Cup Record: Rookie

Angel Yin 

Age: 18

World Ranking: 51

Solheim Cup Record: Rookie

Paula Creamer

Age: 31

World Ranking: 110

Solheim Cup Record: 7th Appearance. 14-8-5. (W-L-H)