10 to watch closely in match--play competiton
It's a team event built around match-play competition, but the 2009 Solheim Cup likely will be decided by the strongest individual on the American and European golf teams.
While all 12 women on each side will have a say in the point totals, here's a closer look at five players on each team that may have a bigger say in shaping the final outcome:
Michelle Wie (USA)
Scary long, scary strong and with a scary-big throng of fans sure to follow her every move, Wie heads a strong U.S. rookie class that includes Brittany Lang and Kristy McPherson. U.S. captain Beth Daniel said she didn't want this to be all about Wie, but as soon as the 19-year-old was announced as a captain's pick, her face - and her face alone - began adorning ads for the Cup. Could be a career-defining weekend for Wie, whose game figures to be tailor-made for the long Rich Harvest Farms layout.
Cristie Kerr (USA)
The leading money winner on the LPGA Tour this year and No. 3 in the world rankings has been surprisingly under the radar this week. Expect that to change once the action begins, though, because as Christina Kim says of her: "She's like John Wayne. She comes into town, she rolls in and she leaves a wake of bodies as she calmly goes right through."
The 31-year-old Kerr, playing on her fifth Solheim Cup team, will also provide some valuable leadership for the young U.S. squad.
Juli Inkster (USA)
Michelle Wie called Inkster her "mom" on the team, but the 49-year-old Inkster might turn out to be much more than that. On a team that has a combined 63 LPGA victories, Inkster has accounted for 31 of those herself, and her leadership alone will be invaluable to the very, very young U.S. squad.
"When I picked her I said 'this is a tribute to you, Juli, that these players want you on this team,'" Daniel said.
Paula Creamer (USA)
Her record in Solheim Cup competition (5-1-4), easily makes the 23-year-old Creamer one to watch. But so does the fact that no player seems to derive more joy from this competition than the world's No. 4 player.
"This is the highlight of my career and always has been," Creamer said. "The Solheim Cup for me is all about the fans."
Christina Kim (USA)
If you don't walk away after watching the 25-year-old Kim in action this weekend a little more smiley and a little more hoarse, then you're just not trying.
She's loud, she's flashy and she's deliciously unpredictable. And few players get a gallery pumped up more than Kim, who is returning to the team after missing out on the 2007 Solheim team.
"I wasn't there in Sweden in '07 and I wouldn't have it any other way, where I am right now," she said. "Being on home soil is such a thrill."
Catriona Matthew (Europe)
Could there be a more amazing, compelling story than that of the 39-year-old from Scotland winning the British Open just 11 weeks after giving birth to her second daughter?
"It was incredible," said European captain Alison Nicholas. "It shows her class as a player."
Now, the question is whether Matthew can continue her strong play this week and possibly lead the European team to an upset win.
"Oh, she's ready," Nicholas said.
Becky Brewerton (Europe)
If superstar golfer Annika Sorenstam says Becky Brewerton is a player to watch this weekend, who are we to argue?
"Becky Brewerton has played well the last few weeks," Sorenstam told the Golf Channel. "You don't hear much about her over here, but she is a long hitter who has experience and won some matches last time."
Brewerton made the 2007 Solheim Cup team as well, becoming the first Welsh player to qualify.
Laura Davies (Europe)
She may not be the same player she once was, but when you watch Laura Davies, you're watching history - and probably loving it. The 45-year-old from England is the only player to compete in all 11 Solheim Cups.
How does she do it?
"I don't practice as much as the rest; it's as simple as that," Davies said. "They're all out there smashing balls again and I've been doing my laundry.
"And I genuinely believe that's why I'm here longer than most, because I don't play golf 24 hours a day."
Diana Luna (Europe)
You may not have heard of the first Italian player on the European Solheim Cup team, but back on the Ladies European Tour, Luna is pretty famous after winning back-to-back tournaments in July. She also has six top-10 finishes over the past two seasons.
The 26-year-old rookie was born in Rome and resides in Cannes, France, and she seems to be having the time of her life in Sugar Grove.
"It's such a great week and a fantastic experience with all my teammates," she said. "I'm pretty confident; I'm playing pretty good."
Helen Alfredsson (Europe)
Think this Solheim Cup veteran isn't serious about things this week?
Think again.
While her playing partners all begged out after nine holes of practice Thursday morning, the 44-year-old soldiered on to No. 10 to continue her work.
That the European captain in 2007 is back this year as a player and ranks 10th in the Rolex Rankings is a testament to that work ethic paying off.
And she prefers the role of a player this time around.
"It's much easier," she said. "I don't have to worry about anybody but myself, and since we are so selfish, it's much easier (laughs)."
<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Photo Galleries</h2> <ul class="gallery"> <li><a href="/story/?id=315268">Thursday images from the Solheim Cup </a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=314990">Wednesday images from the Solheim Cup </a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=314617">Tuesday images from the Solheim Cup </a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=314310">Monday images from the Solheim Cup </a></li> </ul> <h2>Video</h2> <ul class="video"> <li><a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/multimedia/?category=18&type=video&item=3">Solheim Cup Opening </a></li> <li><a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/multimedia/?category=18&type=video&item=2">Solheim Cup After Sundown party </a></li> </ul> <h2>Related links</h2> <ul class="moreWeb"> <li><a href="/packages/2009/solheimcup/">Complete Daily Herald coverage of the Solheim Cup</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>