'Unforgettable' times ahead for Wie, Solheim rookies
Organizers of the Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove were already expecting big crowds the week of Aug. 17-23, then came the announcement Sunday that Michelle Wie had been added to the team as a captain's pick.
Things just got a little bigger.
"Certainly, it's always great to welcome new rookies to the Solheim Cup experience and I think Brittany Lang, Kristy McPherson and Michelle Wie are going to have one of the most unforgettable weeks of their lives," said Kelly Hyne, executive director of the Solheim Cup.
And while it seemed a no-brainer to bring in a player with Wie's name recognition, it's not just her popularity that led to her selection. Wie has put up some impressive numbers this season, such as ranking fourth on Tour in driving distance (267.2 yards), 10th in birdies (208) and finishing as the sixth highest American on the money list ($510,291).
"Michelle played some really compelling golf last week (at the Women's British Open), as she has all year and will be a real contributor to this team," Hyne said. "Captain Beth Daniel studied the stats, and the stats led er to pick Michelle.
"She's tied for fourth in putting on the LPGA Tour with 1.75 putts per green hit in regulation, and ranks 10th on Tour in birdies - two very important components to match play."
Hyne has spent the last year or so meeting with groups in the area to spread the gospel of the Solheim Cup and says it wasn't just Wie's possible addition to the team that had people talking.
"I've been asked about a lot of players all year long - we have so many compelling players on the LPGA and from the U.S.," Hyne said. "All of the players have their followings just like Michelle Wie has her fans."
While the Ping Pavilion and the Solheim After Sundown event on Tuesday night are sold out, Hyne said week-long grounds tickets are still available for $125 or individual daily prices of $25 for practice days (Tuesday-Thursday) or $50 on match days (Friday-Sunday).
"Monday, our goal is to help Sugar Grove fill their new food bank and ask everyone to bring in four non-perishable items and we'll let them in free," Hyne said. "Kids 15 and under are free every day with a ticketed adult, and we welcome all our military personnel on Thursday with complementary admission."
Tickets are available at any Jewel-Osco store customer service desk or by visiting the solheimcup.com site.
"We expect a huge crowd out here at Rich Harvest Farms," Hyne said, "so we encourage fans to get their tickets in advance or at the door."
Sneak peek: Several players from the U.S. Solheim Cup team will be appearing live Tuesday morning from Rich Harvest Farms as part of the ABC 7 morning news broadcast from 5-7 a.m.