Barack Obama visit inspires US Solheim Cup team for ‘unfinished business’

The U.S. Solheim Cup team is hoping that a surprise visit from former President Barack Obama will provide them with the inspiration they need to settle “unfinished business” as they face Europe this weekend.

Obama attended a Team USA dinner in Washington, D.C., on Monday evening, offering words of encouragement. As a member of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, where this year’s Solheim Cup is being held, since 2017, Obama had a special connection to the event. He posed for photos with Stacy Lewis and her U.S. squad, much to the team’s delight.

Europe has defeated the U.S. in the last two Solheim Cups, in 2019 and 2021. Last year in Spain, the event ended in a tie, allowing Europe to retain the trophy. U.S. team member and world No. 1, Nelly Korda, expressed her determination: “We’ve got some unfinished business.”

Megan Khang echoed Korda’s sentiment, emphasizing the team’s motivation. “People have asked me to describe Team USA in one word this year, and I’d say ‘hungry,’” Khang said. “Nelly and I have both played in several Solheim Cups and haven’t gotten the job done, which leaves a bad taste. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait two years. We’re back, and we’re hungrier than ever.”

Obama left a lasting impression on the players. “He knew all of our names,” Korda remarked. “He congratulated us on our success.” Khang, ranked No. 21 in the world, was equally enthusiastic: “It was amazing to have a former president show up at our dinner. It’s incredible he took time out of his day to meet us, and we really appreciated it.”

European captain Suzann Pettersen, however, downplayed the idea that her team is the favorite, despite recent victories. “Playing away, you’re always the underdog,” the Norwegian said. “In the last three Solheims, we’ve come out on top, and we aim to keep that going. But I’m happy to let the pressure be on the Americans as the home favorites.”

One of the most notable members of Lewis’s U.S. team is Alison Lee, who was involved in a controversial moment during the 2015 Solheim Cup in Germany. Lee mistakenly believed a putt had been conceded and picked up her ball, leading to a dispute with none other than Pettersen.

When asked about her relationship with Pettersen, Lee admitted, “I’m not going to lie, I haven’t really talked to her at all since then. I don’t think about it much anymore, but it was tough at the time.”

As the U.S. team prepares to face Europe once again, they are determined to rewrite history on their home turf.