Sweden's mission to bolster Solheim

There are always times when big brothers, and Big Brother come to that, are overwhelming - as the Solheim Cup found out last autumn - but slowly the demarcation of a Ryder or a Solheim Cup year is returning after they were played in successive weeks this time last year.

A few days before Europe regained the Ryder Cup at The Belfry (postponed a year because of 11 September), America won back the Solheim Cup at Interlachen in the States. The Solheim, always planned to be played in September 2002, has now switched to odd years by advancing next year's match to next weekend. Taking it to Barseback in Sweden could just as important.

This is the first time it has been played in continental Europe and the Swedes are set to come out in force. Quite apart from the fact that the gender of the golfers is less important than in some more established (or prehistoric) golfing nations (such as Britain), there is plenty for the Swedes to cheer on.

Top of the list is obviously Annika Sorenstam, the best woman golfer in the world by a distance. This year she won the two major titles she had not already collected, including the Weetabix Women's British Open at Royal Lytham. But the 32-year-old also raised the profile of sport to new levels by playing an event on the men's US Tour. While the best player in the world cannot win a team event on their own - see Tiger Woods - Sorenstam looks better equipped than ever to play a leading hand.

Two other Swedes are in the European team; Sophie Gustafson, one of the most powerful hitters around, and Carin Koch, who has an incredible record in two matches of seven wins and one half.

Of the seven matches, Europe have won only two. Both came in Scotland but each had a Swedish link. Three years ago at Loch Lomond, Koch secured the winning point, as did Catrin Nilsmark at Dalmahoy in 1992. Nilsmark is now Europe's captain and having had experience of five matches her appointment was more than just a decision to please the locals.

The 36-year-old from Gothenburg has the makings of a fine leader. Known for her striking outfits on the course, she can be outspoken off it. Last year comments about some of the American players led to a controversy that fuelled the States' victory. It is not something Nilsmark has discussed with the returning US captain Patty Sheehan. "I haven't apologised because I don't wish to apologise to her," Nilsmark said. "I think she got her revenge in making fun of it last year but it is over now."

In selecting her five wild cards, Nilsmark recalled Catriona Matthew, the Scot who plays highly consistent golf in the States but was overlooked for the last two matches. Nilsmark also picked Janice Moodie, another Scot who is a feisty matchplayer.

Like the Americans, Europe have only two rookies but have five changes from last year to the visitors' two. Nilsmark sought the advice of Sam Torrance, Europe's winning leader. "It was a fun hour but interesting," Nilsmark said. "He said he had 12 stars and treated everybody the same."

There is no doubt even experienced players like Laura Davies, the only player on either side to have played in every match, will have to toe the line. "I will try to please everyone in the way they warm up but to build team atmosphere we need to do some things together. There was an issue, for example, at Loch Lomond when we had a big bus to the course and then somebody wanted to drive their own car. I won't tolerate that."

Nilsmark knows one thing she will be doing. "The one thing you want as a player is to see your captain every time you tee off. It's a small thing but one of the most important moments so I'm going to be there for everybody."