COLIN FARQUHARSON REPORTS FROM ITALY
Olivia Mehaffey (left) and Leona Maguire pose above for the Cal Carson Golf Agency cameraman before today's final practice round prior to the start of the two-day Vagliano Trophy match between GB and Ireland versus the Continent of Europe to be played at the magnificent B.
ogogno Golf Club, a two-course golf resort 30 odd miles northwest of Milan.
Olivia (Royal Co Down Ladies) and Leona (Slieve Russell) hail from different sides of the Irish Border but they have a common purpose in the Vagliano Trophy match ... play a major part in GB and I winning the trophy in this biennial fixture since Chantilly GC in 2005.
Yes, the Continentials are bidding for a sixth win in a row and as far as GB and I are concerned, World No 1 Maguire and World No 13 Mehaffey hold the key to turning the tide,
If they play well in the foursomes-singles format which is repeated on the second day, all eight players per team playing in every sesson, then GB and I have a chance.
Fingers crossed!
The foursomes lines-up will be announced later today.
Team photographs are being taken at 5pm so plenty of reasons to rejoin this website early evening!