Hull and Reid lead Europe off in Solheim foursomes

After a lot of miniature flag waving and thank yous to all and sundry we finally made it to the draw for the opening foursomes where Mel Reid and Charley Hull will lead Europe off as they come up against the experienced pairing of Lexi Thompson, who has been struggling with a virus, and Cristie Kerr.

The English duo teamed up on the first morning in Germany, and recorded a 2&1 victory, but were strangely never paired together again while Thompson and Kerr were unbeaten in three outings.

Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and Caroline Masson of Germany, both making their third appearances, make up a new European pairing and they will face rookie and major winner Danielle Kang and Lizette Salas.

The only European rookie to get going on the first morning is England’s Georgia Hall and she will be partnered by their strongest player Anna Nordqvist. They will take on Paula Creamer and another debutant in Austin Ernst.

And finally Catriona Matthew, who until Wednesday was going to be on the sidelines as one of Annika Sorenstam’s vice-captains before Suzann Pettersen had to withdraw, will anchor the European effort alongside Karine Icher and they will play Stacy Lewis and Gerina Piller.

The Americans combined for two wins on Saturday in Germany.

All of which leaves Jodi Ewart Shadoff and the three rookies Florentyna Parker, Madelene Sagstrom and Emily Pedersen on the sidelines.

For the Americans the only slight surprise is that Michelle Wie will have to wait until the fourballs to make her introduction.

The first session is generally a tight affair but the fancy here is that Europe are capable of taking a lead after the foursomes.

Friday’s foursomes

2.10pm: Thompson/Kerr vs. Reid/Hull
2.22pm: Kang/Salas vs. Ciganda/Masson
2.34pm: Ernst/Creamer vs. Nordqvist/Hall
2.46pm: Piller/Lewis vs. Icher/Matthew