With no more than one point separating the teams at the past three Solheim Cups played in Europe there is every reason to expect that this week's contest will be just as exciting, writes Iain Carter.

Recent history suggests this week's Solheim Cup will be another epic clash to follow hot on the heels of Great Britain and Ireland's dramatic victory over the United States in the Walker Cup. The extraordinary climax at Lahinch last Sunday, where GB&I won with the last putt of the match, evoked memories of the past three Solheim Cups staged in Europe. Three years ago in Spain the contest ended in a dramatic 14-14 tie to allow a delirious European team to hold on to the trophy, having initially wrestled it from American hands with a single-point victory at Gleneagles in 2019. Then it was Suzann Pettersen's gut wrenching and ultimately successful putt on the final green at the Scottish course that decided the outcome. And the previous Solheim Cup held on continental soil was a 2015 single point away win that capped an astonishing comeback by the United States in Germany.

I think it just shows how important each game is, said British number one Lottie Woad, who makes her debut for Europe this week. Even if you're a couple down early, you can get it back and even just getting a half point could be vital. Woad's compatriot Charley Hull believes it can be tougher playing at home. We get big crowds in both places, but obviously, it's a little more pressure over here when it's a home Solheim Cup. Europe's quartet of debutants include Woad, Mimi Rhodes, Nastasia Nadaud and Julia Lopez Ramirez. European captain Anna Nordqvist is excited for the rookies to experience the occasion.

American captain Angela Stanford is bullish about her line-up's ability to handle the unique pressure of the Solheim Cup. I think they're very mentally tough. They don't let things bother them. The three-day contest starts on Friday with four foursomes - alternate shot - matches, with four fourball matches to follow, before 12 singles matches on Sunday.