By Kitrina Douglas BBC Sport Online golf columnist

For keen followers of women's golf and the Solheim Cup, the major thing about this year's event is how many household names are noticeable by their absence.

It seems almost sacrilege not to have Dottie Pepper on the US side.

But alas for the American team, she is injured and ruled herself out of the event several weeks ago.

Pepper will be badly missed

The main reason she will be missed, of course, is her impressive record - 14 points from six appearances.

But it's not just the quality of her golf that contributes to the American team's chances of success.

It's probably fair to say that Pepper is one of the most vocally patriotic citizens America has ever produced.

Even on one of her more even-tempered quiet days, she is explosive.

Pepper has done more air punching and given more rowdy support to her colleagues than the entire European team put together.

In 1998 she went as far as dying her hair red on the eve of the contest to match the stripes of the US flag.

This is the first time in the history of the Solheim Cup that Pepper will not play.

Petterson could take her chance for Europe

The same noticeable list of absentees applies to the European regulars as well.

Alison Nicholas, Trish Johnson and Liselotte Neumann will be especially missed by captain Dale Reid.

Although Neumann is as quiet and gentle as Pepper is loud and harsh, she is no less supportive and encouraging.

Reid will be hoping the absence of these three big name players will be tempered by the presence of two high points earners, Laura Davies and Helen Alfredsson.

And while some of the big names are missing, the 2002 Solheim Cup might very well usher in a new era of talent.

Several younger players now have an opportunity to make names for themselves.

With the addition of rookies Suzann Pettersen of Norway, who was World Amateur Champion, and Maria Hjorth of Sweden, who won all over the world in her amateur career, this year's Solheim side is looking really exciting.

With the glamour of Paula Marti, the flair of Rachael Carriedo and some solid golf from players like Mhari McKay, I reckon the European team might just re-write the history books.