Inside the Ropes

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.

As the Solheim Cup kicks off this week, we’re still a little sad that Team VTech’s Karen Stupples who recently won the Wales Open a week ago didn’t make the cut for the European Team. She recorded a one-stroke win over South Korean Amy Yang at the Royal St David’s Golf Club in Harlech, finishing at 12-under-par 276, coming from two strokes back in the final round.

Karen Stupples

Our former British Open winner (2004) was a bit disappointed being overlooked by Solheim Cup captain Alison Nicholas after trying so hard. ”I was very, very disappointed at not being in the Solheim Cup. It was always a big goal of mine to be on there and I think to be perfectly honest, I tried too hard to get in. I knew I had to impress Alison to get into the team and I think I was just trying too hard. I’ve come here free of the burden of trying to be selected or trying to prove how good I am or what form I’m in and I think the real Karen Stupples showed up this week.”

We’re glad the real Karen Stupples is here and we look forward to seeing her and the rest of Team VTech in Portland next week for the Safeway Classic at Pumpkin Ridge!

In the meantime, good luck to all the ladies who made the Solheim teams and best of luck with competition this week.