Solheim Cup Team Set

The Solheim Cup this year is Sept. 23 - 25 and the US team is set. The automatic qualifiers, based on point rankings are Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Morgan Pressel, Angela Stanford, Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, Brittany Lincicome, Brittany Lang, Juli Inkster and Christina Kim. In addition, captain Rosie Jones has chosen Vicky Hurst and LPGA rookie Ryann O’Toole as her captain’s picks.

A couple of interesting stories here. First, following the last Solheim Cup, the fifty one year old Julie Inkster indicated that she was retiring from the competition. To her apparent surprise, however, she’s made it on the team on points. Apparently not wanting to let Team USA down, she’s “unretired,” and will be a player as well as assistant captain.

As an aside, I wonder about the Assistant Captain title. Shouldn’t that be “first mate,” or “lieutenant”?

Rookie Ryann O’Toole is a graduate of the Golf Channel’s Big Break, and has had an outstanding maiden voyage. She finished ninth at the US Women’s Open and fifth at the Safeway. Jones says that she likes O’Toole’s enthusiasm.

For my part, I’ll be sure to watch the Solheim Cup television coverage. I love match play.