Michelle Wie makes her debut for the United States when the 11th Solheim Cup starts on Friday with the host holders entering as heavy favorites over Europe in the women's golf showdown.

The Americans lead the rivalry 7-3 and have never lost on home soil. US women have won the past two matchups and another triumph would match their record win streak that included victories in 1994, 1996 and 1998.

Wie, a teen prodigy now an LPGA rookie having a solid first full season, is enjoying the chance to compete alongside the women she competes against most of the time and possibly the chance for her first taste of victory as a pro.

"It has been so exciting," Wie said. "It's a great honor and a privilege to represent my country. Just to be part of a team with so many great players has just been such an honor. It's been so much fun getting to know everyone."

Wie, 19, was a captain's choice by US leader Beth Daniel, who also selected veteran Julie Inkster for the American squad.

Wie signed contracts worth millions of dollars on turning professional at 16, but a wrist injury led to struggles to match her younger form.

But this year, Wie has a runner-up finish and two third places in LPGA events.

Wie, of Korean heritage, was excited to see Yang Yong-Eun of South Korea become the first Asian man to win a major championship when he outdueled Tiger Woods down the stretch on Sunday to capture the PGA Championship.

"It was great. I was really pulling for him," Wie said. "I played a practice round with him back in Japan, and I just thought he was the nicest guy and a really great player.

"It was very unfortunate for Tiger, but I thought it was good, just because I know him personally and he gave me a couple putting tips here and there.

Both teams have three rookies, with Wie, Brittany Lang and Kristy McPherson on the US side matched by Sweden's Anna Nordqvist, Spain's Tania Elosegui and Diana Luna, the first Italian to make the European squad.

Others on the US roster include Nicole Castrale, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Cristie Kerr, Christina Kim, Brittany Lincicome, Morgan Pressel and Angela Stanford.

Europe's veteran lineup includes Sweden's Helen Alfredsson, Maria Hjorth and Sophie Gustafson, England's Laura Davies, Norway's Suzann Pettersen, France's Gwladys Nocera, Becky Brewerton of Wales and Scotland's Catriona Matthew and Janice Moodie.

"I think we have strong team and a good balance of youth and experience," said Europe captain Alison Nicholas.

Davies has played in all 11 Solheim Cups. Alfredsson returns as a player after serving as captain in a loss at Sweden two years ago.