Nelly Korda has downplayed suggestions that she brings an intimidation factor to the Solheim Cup, as Europe's Charley Hull said she would welcome a rematch with the world number one.
Korda will headline Team USA when the biennial competition begins on Friday, September 11, at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, where the Americans will attempt to retain the trophy they won in 2024. Team Europe, captained by Anna Nordqvist, are looking to bounce back from that defeat on American soil and secure a home victory.
Hull, making her eighth consecutive appearance in the event, topped the scoring for Europe two years ago. The 30-year-old concluded that tournament by defeating Korda 6&4 in the Sunday singles, and she remains open to facing the 28-year-old American again this week.
"Playing Nelly Korda at that time was really good, it was so much fun," Hull said in her pre-tournament press conference. "I came out and played pretty well."
Match play respects no rankings
Korda arrives at her fifth consecutive Solheim Cup as the dominant force in the women's game. She has won four times on the LPGA Tour this season, a run that includes the first two major championships of the year. She also boasts one of the highest winning percentages of any American in the history of the tournament, having formed an unbeaten foursomes partnership with Allisen Corpuz across the last two editions.
Despite Korda's recent form, Hull said she would relish the challenge if they were drawn against each other again in the singles.
"Every dog has its day and I also did that day, but she's had a pretty incredible season so far this year," Hull said. "If it came down to singles, it would be a really good match."
"I have a lot of respect for Nelly," Hull added. "She's a great world No 1, a great golfer and anything can happen in match play."
Ignoring the intimidation factor
Korda's American teammate Andrea Lee said the world number one gives the United States a clear advantage against the European side.
"We all respect her a lot and we look up to her," Lee said. "She has an amazing game and she's the No 1 player in the world, so it's just really nice to have her on our side."
"I feel like it almost brings a little bit of an intimidation factor going against Europe, so we have a little bit of an up just because we have her," Lee added.
Korda, who has played in every Solheim Cup since her debut in 2019, said she pays no attention to her reputation among the opposition.
"Honestly, I don't even think about that," Korda insisted. "I remain in my bubble and I'm a little bit oblivious to it all, but because I want to be. I just want to make it really simple for myself, not to think about too much and just to go out and play my game."
"As for a target, I don't really think about it. If they're intimidated, great! But for me, I just go out and do my thing. I just hope that the United States team just brings a lot of passion."
Experience in the European ranks
Hull and her teammate Carlota Ciganda are the most experienced players competing this week. Both have featured in every edition of the Solheim Cup since 2013, when Hull debuted as a 17-year-old. However, the English player said she does not view herself as a veteran figure burdened with extra responsibility.
"I see my role as a player, really," Hull insisted. "I do my own thing, trying to keep my own routine as much as you can. The captains are there for advice, the younger players can come and ask me some advice and stuff."
"We've got here from playing our normal routine," she added. "Every week we're by ourselves, so we really shouldn't do anything too differently. We've still got to hit a ball around the golf course and play good!"
Korda noted that she enjoys the intense atmosphere the competition generates, regardless of which side is being supported.
"What I love about this tournament is how much passion it brings from each side," Korda said. "Even when Europe becomes very passionate about what they're doing on the golf course, I feel like we all want to elevate our game as well."
Tournament schedule
The event opens with a ceremony on Thursday at 4.30pm, where the pairings for the opening day will be revealed. Hull and Lottie Woad have already been confirmed to face Korda in the Friday foursomes.
Play begins on Friday and Saturday with the opening foursomes matches teeing off at 6.40am UK time (7.40am local time). The afternoon fourballs are scheduled to start at 12.05pm (1.05pm local time) on both days. The tournament concludes with the Sunday singles matches, which begin with an opening tee shot at 10.10am, followed by a closing ceremony at 5.30pm where the winning team will be crowned.
