The 11th staging of The Solheim Cup was spectacular. It truly was a world stage for the best that women’s golf has to offer. For those of you who traveled to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, IL this past week; you can appreciate the simplicity and sereneness of this competitive setting nestled among corn fields. For me, it gave a whole new meaning to Field of Dreams.
Men and women came. Children came. Over 120,000 fans of the game came. The players were ready and whole heartedly embraced their surroundings and all that was at stake as women’s golf was cast into the international spotlight. As fans, we were treated to a wonderful three days of spirited competition. While the U.S. retained the Solheim Cup with a 16-12 point score, the impact of the matches went much deeper. The caliber of women’s golf is top notch.
We saw Michelle Wie say hello to the golf world in a carefree and joyous manner that we had not experienced before. Juli Inkster played in her final Solheim Cup Matches. Laura Davies, a longtime standout on the European Team and fan favorite on both sides of the pond wasn’t at her competitive best which I am sure was disappointing to her. European Team Captain Alison Nicholas was a true professional throughout the Matches. Paula, Morgan and Christina along with Kristy, Brittany and Natalie and the rest of the US Team sparkled and glittered throughout the Matches. Beth Daniel is now a victorious Solheim Cup Captain.
Former Solheim Cup Captains were celebrated at a special fundraising dinner on Saturday evening where they shared stories of their experiences and stressful competitive moments. LPGA Founding Members, Shirley Spork and Louise Suggs were omnipresent at the first tee. Louise Solheim who was married to Karsten Solheim for 63 years before his passing in 2000 was still front and center at this year’s Matches.
It was as if the written pages of women’s golf history came alive right before our eyes if you were there this past week. What a treasure of memories!
I was delighted to see so many EWGA members in the galleries throughout the three days. From California, Seattle and Nashville to Seattle, Huntsville, Boise, Springfield, MA to Columbia SC to NY, NJ, CT, NH, NC and WI and of course, FL…. we were out in full force. The EWGA’s Chicago Metro Chapter members were everywhere! They certainly were proud volunteers and we thank you for your great efforts and contributions to this years’ event. Kudos to you! And by the way, the Thursday evening gathering hosted by the Chapter was great fun too!
We can never thank the Solheim Family enough for what they have done for women’s golf. And how fortunate are we as EWGA members that PING is one of our supporting partners too!
The 2011 Matches are two years away. It’s also the EWGA’s 20th anniversary in 2011. The Solheim Cup is truly an event that every golf fan needs to experience at least once in their lifetime. So, what better way to celebrate the world’s most prestigious women’s golf event than to travel to Ireland together – to support TEAM USA and partake in all the festivities! I know I will be there!
Won’t you join us? Stay tuned for details!!!!
