The 2011 Solheim Cup

So you’ve read about The Vivendi Seve Trophy, The Presidents Cup and The Walker Cup, well now is the turn of the Solheim Cup.

The ladies version of the Ryder Cup is all ready to go as Europe try and wrestle the cup back from their American counterparts.

Killeen Castle, Ireland, is the host and the magnificent Jack Nicklaus Signature Course will be the perfect backdrop to what should be a great battle.

History

Named in honour of Karsten Solheim, the founder of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, which makes PING golf equipment the cup was first played back in 1990 when the Solheim family, in conjunction with the LPGA and the LET, developed the concept and became the title sponsor for the cup.

Held every two years in non-Ryder Cup years it has slowly become the most prestigious women’s event in the calendar and the most sought after trophy to win for your continent.

Past Records

The USA ladies certainly hold the better record over the years winning eight out of the eleven battles that have taken place with Europe winning three, the last one being back in 2003 at the Barsebäck Golf and Country Club, Malmo, Sweden.

Since then USA have won three-in-a-row, the last in 2009 at the Rich Harvest Farms course, Sugar Grove, Illinois.

Out of the players in the teams this year both teams have vital experience with Laura Davis in the European team leading as the all-time record holder for matches played. Davis has been involved in 43 out of 48 matches in the cup’s history with American Juli Inskter who is in the USA team in Ireland the nearest challenger playing in 31 appearances.

It’s worth noting that Davis is half a point away from matching the all-time points tally currently held by the most successful ladies European player Annika Sorenstam on 24 points. Davis will be looking to take over that record this year.

2011

At the end of August both teams made their final preparations and the captains named their wildcards to complete their teams to compete in bi-annual contest.

European Captain Alison Nicholas opted to have eight qualifiers and four wildcard picks to her disposal.

Her picks went to Spain's Azahara Muñoz, Sweden's Caroline Hedwall, England's Karen Stupples and Sandra Gal of Germany.

England’s Melissa Reid topped the rankings with Davis second and Norway’s Suzann Pettersen third.
Nicholas will be assisted by the experienced Sorenstam who without doubt is a captain for the future and England’s Joanne Morley.

Team in full:

1. Melissa Reid (ENG) 2. Laura Davies (ENG) 3. Suzann Pettersen (NOR) 4. Christel Boeljon (NL) 5. Maria Hjorth (SWE) 6. Anna Nordqvist (SWE) 7. Catriona Matthew (SCO) 8. Sophie Gustafson (SWE) 9.  Azahara Munoz (SPA) 10. Caroline Hedwall (SWE) 11. Karen Stupples (ENG) 12. Sandra Gal (GER)

For the USA, captain Rosie Jones revealed her team a week earlier and opted for 10 qualifying places along with two wildcard picks.

Vicky Hurst and LPGA Tour rookie Ryann O’Toole got the nod to play alongside the for mentioned Inkster who not only becomes the oldest player to play in the Cup at 51-years of age but becomes the first-ever playing assistant captain for either side.

Team in full:

1. Cristie Kerr 2. Stacy Lewis 3. Morgan Pressel 4. Angela Stanford 5. Paula Creamer 6. Michelle Wie 7. Brittany Lincicome 8. Brittany Lang 9. Juli Inkster 10. Christina Kim 11. Vicky Hurst 12. Ryann O'Toole

(All pictures courtesy of Solheimcup.com)

It will certainly be a battle to remember and live coverage will be on Sky Sports from Thursday 22 September at 5pm with the opening ceremony and then Friday 23 September at 7am with the first mornings play.

• 07:40 - 08:16 Foursome Matches start (at 12 minute intervals)
• 12:45 - 13:30 Fourball Matches start (at 15 minute intervals)

Saturday 24 September:

• 07:40 - 08:16 Foursome Matches start (at 12 minute intervals)
• 12:45 - 13:30 Fourball Matches start (at 15 minute intervals)

Sunday 25 September:

• 10:10 - 12:00 Single Matches start (at 10 minute intervals)

If you want to watch the Solheim Cup live, Golfbreaks.com are currently offering an exclusive package of 3 nights' B&B at the City West Hotel and a season pass to The Solheim Cup from £299 per person. Contact Golfbreaks.com on 0800 279 7988 to book this exclusive package today