I will reserve most of my opinions on this subject, but will agree with all of the ladies on one issue. These ladies definitely stood up to the heat and let the world know that they have the guts and game to show the world their games in an escalated arena. Sorenstam will now compete in the PGA Skins game in late November 2003, and Wie is competing in as many men's events as they will allow her to. Suzie Whaley is content with teaching at her club and playing in an occasional LPGA event.
Michelle Wie is competing this week compliments of a sponsor's invitation in Portland, Oregon at the 2003 Safeway LPGA Classic. She hired long time caddy for Juli Inkster, Greg Johnston, this week at the last minute, as Juli withdrew with a sore shoulder. I predict that Michelle will have her best event on tour this week, as she has not had the opportunity to use a tour caddy yet in her career. I will be surprised if they don't finish top twenty, as I know Michelle needs tour caddy guidance. LPGA courses are set up for 215 to 240 yard tee shots. Michelle and her Dad, B.J., have not yet come to terms with the fact that the driver off the tee is not always the proper club. When you drive it 285, sometimes you need to gear back. Greg will do a good job for her this week; the kid needs guidance… she has the game.
My quick summary of our US Solheim Cup loss goes as follows:
- We got trounced 6 ½ - 1 ½ in the alternate shot format with no wins and three ties out of eight matches.
- We lost a critical late Saturday afternoon best ball match one down on a Pettersen 20 footer for birdie that would have given us a one point deficit as compared to the actual three point deficit with the twelve singles matches remaining Sunday.
- We gave a good team fight, but all in all, the Europeans bonded and played better as a team, and deserve the Cup.
My player, Cristie Kerr, had a solid Solheim experience, winning two of three team matches, while being paired in all three with Kelli Kuehne. Suzann Petterson conceded her singles match to Cristie, one down on #16 green, thus comprising our 2003 record at 3-1. Although we both realize it is a team event, I am proud that Golfweek magazine gave Kerr the "A" grade for performance. I feel that my player will finish out the year strong, as she is as confident as ever coming into the Portland event. Look for strong finishes on the tour the final month by not only Cristie, but several of the US Solheim team members.
My two lone opportunities caddying at the Solheim Cup have both ended in team losses on foreign soil. Nevertheless, I cherish these two unique losing experiences in golf, as they both represent deep challenges as a team, totally opposite of the competitive feel that tour golf affords on a week to week basis.
In closing, the tour is like a bubble world. Every week is another opportunity to be the best in the world for a week. What a way to live. But for an instant, take a look at the fringe players, the players holding a spot from 100 – 175 on the money list. Next month I will touch on some stories from the LPGA 2003 qualifying school. Some will be "Cinderella stories". Some will not. Stay tuned!
Worth Blackwelder
from Ladies Golf Journey - Dec 2003
