Solheim Cup Teams 2009
Like the Jets vs the Sharks, the Yankees vs the Mets, or even mustard vs ketchup, Teams USA vs Europe is a rivalry that has lasted through the ages, or a few years at least. And this weekend, with another Solheim Cup come and gone, it was Team USA that came out winner for the third time in a row with a 16-12 decision over Europe. (They also won the singles 8-4). With 120,000 in attendance this week at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois, both teams put their best putts forward for some exciting golf.
Solheim Cup Rookie, Michelle Wie, whose 3-0-1 record was the best of any American this week, took a 1 up victory over 2007 European Captain Helen Alfredsson after halving the 18th hole with birdies. She was undefeated this week as well as her teammates, Morgan Pressel and Brittany Lang and earned 3.5 points.
But it was Morgan Pressel’s 3 up victory over Anna Norqvist that helped clinch the Cup for the U.S. Team, keeping the Americans’ undefeated record at home, intact.
It seemed talent might have been the deciding factor in the Americans victory this weekend. While their roster boasted some of the top players in the world, four of Europe’s players were ranked 125th or lower. And though European captain Alison Nicolas said she did what she could for her team to win, you can’t help wonder what would have happened if she didn’t overlook recent Wales Open and former British Open champion Karen Stupples for a spot on the team. C’est la vie Alison, there’s always next year.