Sorenstam in Sugar Grove for Solheim Cup? Not likely

Despite announcing in May her plans to retire at the end of the 2008 season, some were still holding out hope that Sweden's Annika Sorenstam might still be a part of the European team participating in the 2009 Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

Doesn't sound like it's going to happen.

"It's looking unlikely," said European captain Alison Nicholas, who was barraged with Annika questions during Monday's media day event at Rich Harvest. "She's a lady who makes decisions and usually sticks by them. I don't see that it will change.

"Obviously she'll be missed, but everybody has to retire at some stage. It'll be a chance for Europe to show some of our up-and-coming youngsters.

"Annika has been an absolutely fabulous ambassador for golf and we can only thank her for what she's done,"

While Nicholas sounded pretty confident that the former No. 1 player in the world would be a no-show next August, United States captain Beth Daniel is taking a wait-and-see approach.

"I wouldn't rule out that Annika Sorenstam won't be here," Daniel said. "I'm not gonna rule that out at all."

To be continued?