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Solheim Cup Superstars - 2007
by Rikki White
There was a time when lady golfers had the reputation of being rather stuffy middle-class matrons always on the look-out for any infringements of the rules, but since the advent of professional golf for the ladies, it’s a whole new ball game. The proficiency on the course from girls, some hardly out of school, driving distances of close on 300 yards and looking good in their fashionable golf attire, shows how far the game has come.
This weekend at Halmstad in Sweden, Captains Betsy King of the U.S. and Helen Alfredsson of Europe squared up to each other with the best talent in their territories to do battle for the coveted Solheim Cup. On paper, the United States had to be favourites with most of their girls high in the world rankings, but history favours the home team and the cream of Helen Alfredsson’s stable was not intimidated by the task ahead.
The Americans have worked hard on their foursomes game, an area unfamiliar to them at home, which has been their weakness in the past, and was the format for the morning round on day 1.
Disaster for the Europeans struck early with Pat Hurst in devastating form and the home team 2 down after 2 holes. The 2nd and 3rd matches fared no better for Europe initially, with Gwladys Nocera and Maria Hjorth the only European pair who never faltered. There was some scrappy play by both sides, but given big match nerves and inclement weather, it was understandable. After the horrendous start, the score at the end of the morning round 2½-1½ to the U.S. was something of a relief for the Europeans.
The afternoon 4-balls started off even worse for the Europeans with the US up in all four matches after 8 holes, but Catriona Matthew and Iben Tinning turned around a match in which they were 2 down to win 4 and 2 and when Laura Davis powered her way out of a bramble bush and chipped in for a 3 at the 16th European spirits were lifted and the day ended with the US only leading 4½-3½. Paula Creamer, having played some spectacular golf, showed a real touch of class when she conceded a missable putt on the last hole to halve the match. This is the true spirit of the Solheim Cup.
Day 2 dawned with gale force winds and a delayed start. The gallery was undeterred by the brutal conditions and turned out in huge numbers. The Swedes are mad about golf. Woolly hats for the teams were the order of the day and team outfits fashioned, most stylishly, to protect from the elements. For sheer entertainment value the play in the morning 4-somes was riveting, with Europe looking at a possible disaster going into the 4 balls in the afternoon as they were down in three matches and only Anneka Sorenstam and Catriona Matthew with a handsome lead of 5 holes. We watched in disbelief to see this lead eroded by brilliant play from Nicole Castrale and Cristie Kerr with 4 birdies in 5 holes. Hanging on by their fingertips the Europeans managed a half on the 18th to secure a much needed win. Meanwhile two of the other European pairs contrived to snatch a half each at the 18th hole when all had seemed lost. Once again, Europe felt they had got out of jail free.
The 4 ball matches of day 2 were punctuated by nightfall after the delayed start, but as many of the players had been out on the course in horrendous conditions for more than 8 hours, this was no doubt a blessed relief. Another early start for day 3 didn't excite a lot of enthusiasm, but the 4 ball matches had to be finished before the singles battle could commence.
Conditions were no better at the start of day 3 with heavy rain and a few problems with standing water on some of the fairways and greens. It was nip and tuck again for the remainder of the delayed 4 ball matches, with Europe managing a little more magic on the last few holes to take a one point lead into the singles matches.
As expected the strength and depth of the Americans prevailed in the singles and very soon the scoreboard was a sea of red denoting an early lead by the U.S. There were superlative performances from Pat Hurst and Julie Inkster early on and a rather lacklustre effort by the Europeans. The one bright ray of sunshine was for the Brits with Laura Davies and Catriona Matthew turning in wins, along with the Swedish rookie Linda Wessberg, and a sparkling debut for Becky Brewerton.
The final result of 16-12 to the U.S.didn’t reflect the real quality of the golf. It all came down to the putts in the end and the Europeans missed too many. They fought hard in every session, but hanging on in there rather than looking like winners. All credit to the Americans who gave superb performances and it was a well deserved success.
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