Perks part of the experience for golfers at Solheim

With its competitive nature and busy schedule, the LPGA Tour can be arduous for members.

But with the Solheim Cup, where teams from the United States and Europe vie to be able to claim global dominance, organizers strive for a different atmosphere.

"It's such an individual sport, but in this competition they're pulling for each other," said Kelly Hyne, LPGA executive director of the Solheim Cup.

To that end, the golfers who make up the American and European squads are treated to a variety of perks they don't experience on the Tour.

For starters, the American team will be wearing clothing individually designed by Ashworth Golf for the event in Sugar Grove this week. Similarly, the Europeans will sport designer duds by Abacus.

The fashion experience includes not just gear for the competition but casual clothing and outfits for receptions that golfers can keep.

"The idea is to create fashions so they look and feel good when they're playing," Hyne said.

And players' hotel suites were decorated and there were goody bags waiting along with jelly beans in national colors.

"It's like Christmas," Hyne said. For the U.S. team, "their whole suites are decorated in red, white and blue."

The freebies range from custom-made golf bags to a putter by Ping to a scrap book that will have photos from the week and letters of support from the golfers' state senators.

"We want to help with the memories," Hyne noted.

During the week, competitors were treated to meals and a spa day courtesy of Mario Tricoci.

"It's a fun week, we want to help them relax," Hyne said. "We take care of everything, all they need to do is play golf."

The 11th playing of the biennial Solheim Cup runs through Sunday at Rich Harvest Farms.