Laura Davies backs European team spirit

Europe has dominated the alternate-shot format in the Solheim Cup the last three matches with a 14-6-4 record, including a 5-0-3 mark two years ago in Sweden. Laura Davies had a simple explanation Tuesday.

European girls have more fun.

``They've done really well, but we are very good,'' Davies said. ``We get on so well. I'm sure the American team is good fun, but you won't find the same atmosphere we have. I think it shows in the first two days of competition.''

``They don't seem to have the fun we have,'' she said. ``Maybe they do. On paper, they're a better team, and we still dust them the first two days. It has to be something we do right leading up into the foursomes.''

Karen Stupples of England, a rookie in these matches, suggested the record had more to do with experience. She noted that juniors from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales play a series of matches each year.

All of this came as news to some of the Americans.

Several players have said this is the closest group they've had in years, a camaraderie that started when captain Nancy Lopez chartered a motor home to drive from Ohio to Crooked Stick two weeks ago for a practice round.

``We don't know what they're doing,'' Natalie Gulbis said. ``But we're having a great time.''

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