SOLHEIM CUP:ANNIKA SORENSTAM, the most decorated women's player in the game, and Joanne Morley have been added to European captain Alison Nicholas's backroom team in the attempt to regain the Solheim Cup from the US when the biennial match takes place at Killeen Castle in Dunsany, Co Meath, next year.
The decision to include Sorenstam as a vice-captain sends out a clear message of intent about the desire to create a pan-European presence in the team-room.
Nicholas, a former US Open champion, has also sought to maintain some continuity from last year’s match in Illinois by retaining Morley as a vice-captain.
Yesterday’s announcement added some impetus to the build-up to the match, which will be staged from September 23rd-25th, 2011.
Last week, US captain Rosie Jones announced that LPGA Tour players Juli Inkster and Sherri Steinhauer would serve as her vice-captains.
In selecting the Swedish-English axis, Nicholas claimed it would provide “a strong, inspirational, passionate and unified team”.
Sorenstam, a winner of 10 major championships, holds a number of records in Solheim Cup competition: in addition to earning the most points (24), she has won the most matches (22) and scored the most points in foursomes (11.5).
She has also competed in 15 of the 19 foursomes matches played, tying for the most foursomes matches played with Laura Davies.
“I was a little quiet on the phone when Alison asked me because I was totally surprised,” said Sorenstam. “She asked me and I said, ‘Could you give me 24 hours?’
“I knew my answer would be yes, but I wanted to make sure I could live up to her expectations with my schedule and fulfil my role properly. I called her back and said ‘yes’.
“Some of the highlights of my career as a professional have been at The Solheim Cup. That helped with my answer, but I would love to be a part of it. Now I can participate and help to bring the trophy back.
“I’m looking forward to being with the players again, not inside the ropes, but closer. I can help from past experience: the way I approached it, give a different perspective and provide an extra hand when needed.
“I can help with strategy with regards to course set-up, administrative roles and anything Alison needs help with. I’m just going to follow my orders!”
Nicholas has yet to complete her backroom with a number of other assistants expected to be brought on board.
