U.S. favoured at Solheim Cup

Led by world No. 1 and 2, Americans hope to snap three-event skid

- BEN NUCKOLS

GAINESVILLE , VA. Lexi Thompson worked her way down the rope line between the second and third holes at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on Thursday, signing dozens of hats, flags and golf balls. The fans on the other side, worried they would miss their chance with the U.S. Solheim Cup team’s most popular player, began chanting, “Lexi! Lexi!”

Thompson obliged, finally informing her still-waiting supporters, “Sorry, guys, I’ve got to go hit, OK?” There was a practice round to play, after all. But then she stopped again to sign the hats of two schoolage girls and the vest of a service dog.

“We’re excited for you, and we’re excited for your retirement,” one fan told Thompson. “Enjoy life.”

The Solheim Cup begins Friday at this battle-tested venue about 55 kilometres west of Washington, D.C., that’s hosted four Presidents Cups. And if it’s truly Thompson’s last as a player, she’s going out on top. at least in the eyes of U.S. fans, teammates and captain Stacy Lewis.