ON THE SIDELINES : Tough U.S. Team in Solheim Cup

A formidable U.S. golf team headed by Beth Daniel, Patty Sheehan and Betsy King takes on the best of Europe on Friday in the inaugural Solheim Cup, women’s answer to the Ryder Cup.

The American trio, who between them won more than $2 million this year, will spearhead the eight-player home team in the three-day match-play series modeled on the Ryder Cup which has been contested since 1927 by male professional golfers from both sides of the Atlantic.

“This is going to be great for women’s golf,” enthused U.S. captain Kathy Whitworth, winner of a record 88 LPGA Tour events. “This is so exciting because it’s all new. I feel like a pioneer.”

The U.S. team also includes No. 4 money winner Cathy Gerring, Pat Bradley, Rosie Jones, Nancy Lopez and Dottie Mochrie.

European captain Mickey Walker’s top players are Trish Johnson of England, winner of the 1990 European Order of Merit; Marie-Laure de Lorenz of France, who won the honor in 1888 and 1989, and Sweden’s Helen Alfredsson who captured the 1990 British Women’s Open.