( CNN ) -- It is a rivalry which can make or break golfers . Europe vs. the United States , whether in the Solheim Cup or its male equivalent the Ryder Cup , is a grudge match as intense as any on the planet . It requires players with nerves of steel , who can handle the weight of a continent 's expectations on their shoulders . It requires players like Caroline Hedwall . `` Being out there , the pressure , I get so pumped , '' the 24-year-old Swede told CNN . `` I just find a different focus out there . It 's just me and the ball , and the hole ... it 's just a cool feeling . '' In pictures : What price golfing perfection ? Hedwall dazzled as Europe crushed the U.S. in August 's Solheim Cup , winning the trophy on American soil for the first time with an emphatic 18-10 victory . It was the biggest winning margin in the 23-year history of the competition , with Hedwall the catalyst the for Europe 's dominant display . The world No . 23 made history by becoming the first woman to taste victory in all five of her matches , rounding off a victorious weekend with a singles win over former teen sensation Michelle Wie . As in Europe 's 2011 victory , Hedwall did not automatically qualify for the team -- she was one of four captain 's picks in the 12-woman lineup . Her place in the record books was in the balance when she and Wie approached the 18th tee at the Colorado Golf Club . The match was level and the winner of the hole would take the point . For Europe , a point for Hedwall would be Europe 's 14th , ensuring Liselotte Neumann 's charges retained the Solheim Cup . In pictures : The world 's most extreme golf courses . `` I was the first to tee off and I had a good long drive in the middle of the fairway , '' recalls Hedwall . `` I remember telling my caddy , that I 'm just going to aim a little bit left to the pin . But when I stood up , I said , 'No , I 'm just going straight at it . ' `` So I hit a really good shot and I heard the crowds . It was close , I could hear that and obviously I put pressure on Michelle . It was just a nice moment . '' Hedwall rolled in a four-foot putt for a birdie and the win . Her place in history , and Europe 's grip on the Solheim Cup , was secure . It was a moment which saw Hedwall realize the ambitions she had harbored since childhood . `` I remember walking to school and saying , 'Who wants to be a lawyer or a doctor when you can be a professional athlete ? Why would you want to do that ? ' `` So , I always wanted to work within sports and be a professional athlete . I just liked golf the most . When I got picked for the national team I was 14 . That was when I realized that maybe this dream could come true . '' In order to make her dream a reality , Hedwall headed to the U.S. to play for college golf for Oklahoma State . `` It was just the next step , '' she explained . `` I 'd heard that a lot of the older players on the Swedish golf team went over there and liked it . `` I thought it was a good step for me to get experience of not living at home . It was a difficult decision because you are so worried and anxious , is this going to be alright ? '' Hedwall could have joined the Ladies European Tour at the age of 17 by virtue of being one of the two top-ranked players on the Swedish circuit . She turned down the chance of a potentially lucrative kickstart to her pro career to play in Oklahoma , a decision she feels has been vindicated . `` I wanted to go to college and it turned out to be a good decision , '' said Hedwall , whose twin sister Jacqueline -- her caddy at the 2011 Solheim -- also played university golf in the U.S. and is now a fledgling pro on the Ladies European Tour . `` I learned a lot , especially grew as a person when I moved in to the States . '' Having won five LET events , and three in Australia , Hedwall now is chasing down the big bucks on the money-spinning LPGA Tour . A tournament win on the U.S. circuit is now in her sights . Hedwall has been playing LPGA events since 2008 , with a tie for third at this year 's Kraft Nabisco Championship -- one of the five majors -- being her best result . She matched that at the Canadian Women 's Open a week after the 2013 Solheim . But , just like the girl who achieved her childhood dream of playing professional golf , Hedwall is confident of capturing that elusive first victory . `` I really feel like I 'm getting closer and closer , '' she said . `` The Solheim gave me a lot of confidence . `` I think I 'm getting closer , hopefully that will happen soon . ''
Golfer Caroline Hedwall says she thrived under Solheim Cup pressure . Europe crushed the United States 18-10 in August 's competition in Colorado . The U.S. team won its first title since 2000 and is now ranked No. 1 for a second consecutive year. The Swede is aiming to win the first major of her career .