By Kitrina Douglas BBC Sport Online golf columnist

Several Europeans had smiles of contentment on their faces after the first day's play of the Solheim Cup at Interlachen.

None so broad as Carin Koch, whom one American jounalist stated "if pig-tails could putt she'd be dangerous. She helps fill the European quota of blondes well".

US fight back to level

The Swede could not only hole crucial putts in both the first days morning and afternoon matches, but she managed to chip in as well en route to a three and two win over US Open Champion Julie Inkster and Kelli Kuehne.

Photo Gallery: See photos from Solheim Cup

Carin thought perhaps the main reason for her European team-mates poor performances in the afternoon matches was simply down to the fact they ran out of steam.

Koch had plenty to celebrate

As an onlooker I would agree and it is perhaps something European captain Dale Reid will have to consider for the rest of the weekend

For instance, putting Laura Davies and Spanish rookie Paula Marti out top in both matches meant that they hardly had time to down a drink between the morning foursomes and afternoon fourball matches.

All the players give so much in every match that a few moments quiet comtemplation in the locker room before the afternoon match was probably all that was needed.

It appeared they had only just finished the 18th and were suddenly straight back onto the first.

As it was the "fresh legs" of Rosie Jones and Cristie Kerr kick-started the US comeback which seemed to inspire the whole team.

A four-all first day result should give the European team a fair bit of satisfaction.

Helen Alfredson, Reid's wild card pick, came up trumps.

Rookie Susan Petterson and in fact all the Solheim newcomers showed they are more than capable of dealing with the tension of the Cup - when it matters.