( CNN ) -- The United States are aiming to win the Solheim Cup for a fourth successive occasion when they face Europe in the 12th edition of the women 's team golf tournament , which begins at the Killeen Castle Golf Resort in Ireland on Friday . The competition , an exact replica of the men 's Ryder Cup , begins on Friday morning with four foursomes , where the players alternate playing the same ball , before the afternoon 's four fourballs -- which sees each player playing their own ball . Saturday 's two sessions then follow exactly the same format , before Sunday 's 12 individual singles , which will determine the winners . With a total of 28 points up for grabs , the winning team is the first to reach 14 1/2 points , with the Americans securing 16-12 triumphs in Illinois in 2009 and Sweden in 2007 . Alison Nicholas , who is captaining Europe for a second time following their 2009 defeat , has paired Maria Hjorth and Anna Nordqvist in the opening foursomes match -- with the Swedish duo lining up against Michelle Wie and Cristie Kerr . The English duo of Karen Stupples and Melissa Reid face Paula Creamer and Brittany Lincicome in the second of the foursomes , while the third sees veteran Scot Catriona Matthew and Spanish rookie Azahara Munoz against Stacy Lewis and Angela Stanford . And Friday 's morning session is completed by Suzann Pettersen of Norway and Sweden 's Sophie Gustafson facing Brittany Lang and Juli Inkster -- who becomes the oldest-ever Solheim Cup player at the age of 51 . The United States lead Europe 8-3 overall and both Nicholas and her American counterpart Rosie Jones are aware of the need to get a good start in the competition . Nicholas told the official Solheim Cup website : `` I think I have a good blend in my team and I am very happy with the way the draw has worked out . `` Catriona , for instance , is a great leader and gets on so well with everyone . She has lots of experience and I think she will make a great pairing with Azahara . They are both steady players . '' The United States come into the match as favorites to retain their title , with four of the world 's top 10 amongst their ranks . `` I 've put Michelle and Cristie out first because they are both good leaders , '' Jones told the official website . `` They have played a lot together and had success . I want them to get out there and put up a point . '' She continued : `` I 've got heavy hitters in every match . I have a master plan and I 'm going to stick to it as much as possible . But you have to wait and see how the matches go and maybe adjust . '' European team : ( number of previous Solheim Cup appearances in brackets ) Melissa Reid ( Eng ) ( - ) Laura Davies ( Eng ) ( 11 ) Karen Stupples ( Eng ) ( 1 ) Suzann Pettersen ( Nor ) ( 5 ) Sophie Gustafson ( Swe ) ( 7 ) Maria Hjorth ( Swe ) ( 4 ) Anna Nordqvist ( Swe ) ( 1 ) Caroline Hedwall ( Swe ) ( - ) Catriona Matthew ( Sco ) ( 4 ) Azahara Munoz ( Sp ) ( - ) Sandra Gal ( Ger ) ( - ) Christel Boeljon ( Net ) ( - ) United States team : . Michelle Wie ( 1 ) Julie Inkster ( 8 ) Cristie Kerr ( 5 ) Paula Creamer ( 3 ) Angela Stanford ( 3 ) Brittany Lang ( 1 ) Brittany Lincicome ( 2 ) Morgan Pressel ( 2 ) Christina Kim ( 2 ) Vicky Hurst ( - ) Ryann O'Toole ( - ) Stacy Lewis ( - )
Europe and the United States begin the 12th edition of golf 's Solheim Cup on Friday . The American women are aiming to win the title for a fourth successive time this weekend . The action starts at the Killeen Castle Resort in Ireland with the opening fourballs .