Solheim Cup: golf betting guide

This week, the biggest event in the women's golfing calendar, The Solheim Cup, takes place at Colorado Golf Club in America.

The USA are firm favourites this time around, and history is certainly on their side.

Since the Solheim Cup's inception in 1990, the Americans have never lost on home soil. They've also won eight of the 12 contests staged over the last 21 years.

On paper, the American team looks stronger, especially as they've never lost to Europe at home, and the odds reflect that. They are 1/3 to win with Ladbrokes, but I'd be reticent to stake a large amount of money at that price. Instead, I'd take a gamble on Europe at 3/1.

On balance, I think America has the stronger team, but not by far. And as their odds are less than favourable, it's impossible to predict rookie performance and anything can happen in matchplay golf, I'd be tempted to back Europe.

They are 3/1 with Ladbrokes to win the tournament and 9/4 to retain the Solheim Cup which, all things considered, are relatively generous odds.

Despite her age, I like the look of Thompson at 10/1 in the Top American Points Scorer market. She's demonstrated an outstanding pedigree in her two years as a professional and shown she's more than capable of dealing with the big occasion. What's more, she's a future world number one in the making and I'd expect her to play in every session. Paula Creamer, at 5/1 in the same market, is also a decent bet. She has won a point in 71% of her Solheim Cup matches to date, and she's almost certain to play in every session.

In the Top European Points Scorer market, I fancy Beatriz Recari at 9/1 with Ladbrokes. The Spaniard has been plying her trade in America since 2011 and she's already won twice in the USA this season.

Solheim Cup advised bets

3pts on Europe to win the Solheim Cup at 3/1 with Ladbrokes 2pts on Lexi Thompson at 10/1 as Top American Points Scorer 2pts on Paula Creamer at 5/1 as Top European Points Scorer 2pts on Beatriz Recari at 9/1 as Top European Points Scorer