The Solheim Cup may be the most fun event of the season for women’s golf. It gets the fans pumped and the golfers together in a spirit of competition against opponents. But amidst all the gaiety, there is still a job to be done for Team USA, who haven’t won a Solheim Cup since 2017.

Speaking to journalists, both World No. Nelly Korda and Megan Khang addressed this void in their trophy cabinet. Korda emphasized it, saying, “We got some unfinished business.”

Khang elaborated, “Luckily, we didn’t have to wait two years. We have this year to kind of get back at it, and I can tell you now we’re more hungry than ever.”

This year, the Solheim Cup returned to an even-year competition as the Ryder Cup moved to an odd-numbered year following the postponement in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With only a year after the tied finish and retention of the Cup by Team Europe, as well as Team USA not having won a Solheim Cup in the last three times that Nelly Korda and Megan Khang played, the chance to avenge the loss has come rather quickly.

Megan Khang also spoke about how losing the Solheim Cup after a tie and not getting the job done has left a sour taste in her mouth. Therefore, she says the word she would use to describe Team USA this year is “hungry.”

Certainly, the Solheim Cup fever has taken hold of both the competitors and fans alike. The festive atmosphere is apparent in the camps as well. The teams are not staying on the golf course but have a hotel nearby to call home, with bus rides together to and from the course, which Megan Khang described as having ‘immaculate vibes.’

Camaraderie and competition

Golf can be a lonely sport as golfers compete as individuals. However, team events like the Solheim Cup bring out the camaraderie and togetherness in golfers. Team USA has recognized the importance of this and has established a great atmosphere in the team camp. Recently, former President and Robert Trent Jones Golf Club member, Barack Obama, showed up to see Team USA and give them encouraging words.

Team USA has also built a bond over bus rides to and from the golf club and spending time in the team room. The team room, in particular, seems to be a highlight as the entire team spends their off time there. It has a lot of activities and entertainment options—everything from ping pong and shuffleboard to refreshments and karaoke.

Indeed, Team USA seems to be in high spirits, and this might be due to the atmosphere around the camp or to being favorites this year. But they will feel like they have a point to prove come Friday and will want to make the home advantage count as they face Team Europe.