Ladies Golf Journey

New Survey: Courses That Cater To Women Golfers Will Witness Happier Players, Increased & Faster Play, Enhanced Bottom Line

Rosemary — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:16:50 +0000

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Feb. 24, 2012) – Women who play golf at facilities that follow best practices tailored to them will play the sport more often and enjoy an enhanced overall experience, while rewarding course operators with better financial results and pace of play, a new study revealed this week.

According to “The Right Invitation: 2011 Women’s Golf Longitudinal Research,” there are as many eight best practices that especially resonate with women golfers, and courses that employ most, if not all, of them are apt to see as much as a 16 percent increase in play. The study was commissioned by the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), funded by The Little Family Foundation, and conducted by Sports & Leisure Research Group (SLRG).

The 2011 study confirmed the findings of 2009 research as it compared 15 golf facilities that followed best practices against a comparable group of facilities that did not. To qualify in the survey as a “best practices facility,” a course needed to meet 80 percent of all best practices.

According to the survey, best practices yielding in dramatically enhanced loyalty to a facility from women players, include:

Best-practice facilities reported higher merchandise and food-and-beverage sales, as well as a better overall profit per round.

Full copies of the 2011 study (plus the original 2009 study) can be found at www.golfwithwomen.com under Research, as well as the SLRG website at www.sportsandleisureresearch.com.

Golf and Breast Cancer – A Komen Update

Rosemary — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:27:59 +0000

By Nancy Berkley

Almost every female golf foursome is a mini-discussion group on breast cancer awareness, treatment and fears. And it’s possible that “all” women golfers who played golf this past week discussed breast cancer, Susan G. Komen and Planned Parenthood.

And the talk is sure to continue since Karen Handel, the recently hired VP of Susan G. Komen for the Cure just resigned on Tuesday, February 7, from the Foundation. Ms. Handel, an anti-abortion conservative, had championed the withdrawal of Komen funding from Planned Parenthood – funds that were used for breast screening.

Men don’t talk about their prostrate problems on the golf course or their “going” problems or for that matter very much that’s personal. Women golfers are different.

I recall a round not too long ago when one player mentioned her latest “scare.” Another mentioned her lumpectomy. And, I mentioned that my 40-year old daughter was recovering amazingly well from her double mastectomy. And we all discussed our varied cancer screening diagnostics and the dilemma that surrounds our individual choices.

In light of the number of women’s golf tournaments that support breast cancer charities, I wrote an article for cybergolf.com and Ladies Golf Journey about a year ago about the various charities involved in breast cancer research and treatment. See “More Choices for the Cure.” Based on comments from readers, it remains one of my most frequently read articles.

It’s not surprising that the recent controversy surrounding the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s relationship with Planned Parenthood and its breast cancer screening programs galvanized women. I, too, was angered by the linking of Planned Parenthood’s breast cancer screening and the politics of abortion rights and choices.

But what sets my pen to paper is the editorial on February 7, 2012 in the ”Wall Street Journal,” “Planned Parenthood’s Hostages” by Robert P. George and O. Carter Snead. The article, which is very sympathetic to the Komen Foundation, states that “Planned Parenthood took breast cancer victims as hostages.”

Even the word “victim” troubled me. My mother died of breast cancer at the age of sixty. I had not thought of her as a “victim” – like someone was out to get her. Someone like Planned Parenthood.

I read the sentence a couple more times to make sure I understood its hostage metaphor.

In my opinion, someone takes a hostage in order to cause or promote an action. Like a cowboy movie, the villain takes a helpless female and demands a bounty for her freedom. So applying the hostage metaphor to the editorial, Planned Parenthood is the villain and breast cancer victims are hostages, and Susan G. Komen better ante up.

Wrong!

Planned Parenthood is not about breast cancer “victims.” Planned Parenthood is not the place where women diagnosed with breast cancer – the cancer “victims” – come for treatment. Planned Parenthood is not the villain, victim or hostage.

The hostage in this case is Nancy Brinker and the Komen Foundation. And, the women who mobilized on line and rallied against Brinker’s decision recognized that it was the best way to insure that women would be free to pursue basic breast cancer screening.

Of special concern were women of limited economic means – the women that are not usually playing golf.

Golf is an expensive sport. In fact it probably falls in the luxury class of leisure activities whether for women who work or have worked or never had to work. I think it’s fair to assume that most female golfers have some form of medical insurance that pays for annual breast screening. It’s the lack of breast cancer screening for those less well-off that touched the hearts and souls of many of us.

And for that reason, I want to amend my previous article and add another charity and another choice for a charity tournament relating to breast cancer. I would like to call attention to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. www.nationalbreastcancer.org Please take a look at its website and the breadth and depth of its mission as well as a history of its founder a decade ago.

The NBCF is specifically focused on providing breast cancer screening to low-income women. It is not part of or related to Planned Parenthood or any of the other charities I mentioned in my previous article. The NBCF helps to fund screenings at local medical centers throughout the United States. Its partners rank among the top medical centers in the country. And it is receives the top ratings by www.charitynavigator.org that evaluates among other factors, the administrative expense ratios of charitable organizations.

A positive fallout of the Komen and Planned Parenthood issue may be an increased focus on early detection of breast cancer for women of limited resources. It may be just the charity that will insure a record turnout for your next charity golf tournament.

As women, we can neither be villain nor hostage in the breast cancer battle. We must be increasingly dedicated to detecting cancer earlier and finding more and better cures for it. And we must continue to make sure that women of all means have access to breast cancer screening and medical treatment.

As women golfers, we know how to get a job done. From tee to flagstick, we understand a challenge!

Nancy Berkley, President of Berkley Golf Consulting, is an expert on women’s golf and junior-girls golf. She is a frequent contributor to www.cybergolf.com/womensgolf and www.ladiesgolfjourney.com. Her book, Women Welcome Here! A Guide to Growing Women’s Golf, published by the National Golf Foundation, is an industry reference on marketing golf to women and spotting trends within the industry. She offers information and advice about the golf industry on www.berkleygolfconsulting.com and is often quoted in national publications. She is also the author of the NGF publication: An Insider’s Guide to Careers in the Golf Industry. She was a contributing editor of Golf for Women magazine and a founding advisor of Golfer Girl Magazine. Her interviews with women in the golf industry now appear on www.golfergirlcareers.com. Nancy lives in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida., and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Harvard University and Rutgers Law School. After a business and legal career, she decided to write about the game she learned and loved as a teenager. She describes herself as a good bogey golfer with permanent potential.

Should you plan a golf getaway with your boyfriend?

Rosemary — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:33:22 +0000

BY Rosemary Johnson

With this being February and a very romantic Valentine’s Day on the calendar, our thoughts may drift to: “How can we include golf and romance?” and “Should we?”

Most men, whether they have played golf before or not, believe that all they have to do is pick up a club and start hitting the ball. But, he will be very exasperated if he finds that he has no control of the ball or where it will land. To have a great time together, learn more about his game.

The first thing to consider is the level of play of your boyfriend. Does he play occasionally or often? Is he competitive or does he play for enjoyment? Is this the first time for “couples golf”?

If you’ve never played together, then the first thing is to take a “test drive.” There are many options for any playing skill. If he is just beginning to play, or at a beginners level, start your golf experience with a trip to the driving range. Many golf courses and ranges offer group lessons for couples as well as singles. Or, if you want a private lesson, you can work with the golf professional to work with the two of you.

After hitting a few balls on the range and making a few putts on the green, you can head to the 19th hole to chill out or to celebrate a great experience.

To answer the question as to “whether you should take your boyfriend to the golf course,” we have determined that the two of you have a great time together, enjoy vacationing together, and that your golf complements each other.

Both of you are competitive, play for fun, or a balance that works for the two of you. Whether your skill level is the same or not, you can still have fun.

My husband plays from the tips. I play from the forward tees. He’s a scratch golfer while I am a high handicapper. But, we get to the green at about the same time. I don’t dawdle around, and maybe he will walk from his ball to mine along the way. At the end of the day, and what has been said after many golf scrambles of people with varying golf abilities, what anyone remembers is “whether they had fun playing with that person or not.”

The Sweet Spot
Select a golf resort that matches what the two of you like to do. Start with a scrumptious breakfast with a breathtaking view. Then, take off for your tee time on the course that is the most “women friendly” course. Next, you can relax with strawberries and chocolate before heading for the spa and the couples massage. To end the day, there’s fine dining waiting for you with a twirl on the dance floor, or a juicy hamburger special at the grill and a long walk on the beach at sunset.

There are a large variety of choices and amenities at a golf resort without making each day a “groundhog day.” If the resort doesn’t have a packaged deal, they will be more than happy to build a golf package around your schedule and accommodation preferences.

If it turns out that your boyfriend does not want to play golf, all is not lost. Check out the resort golf schedule and see if there are golf events that you can join. He can jog, fish, or play tennis while you are on the course. Afterward, you can get together for dinner, a couples spa experience, dancing or whatever you can dream up.

An alternative to a long getaway is to design your own “Nine, Dine and Unwind.” Book a tee time for the two of you and a stop at the 19th hole, or select a course that offers a round of golf with dining afterward.

As a last resort, book a “Girls Golf Getaway.”

These are our some suggested top rated resorts:

Kiawah Island Golf Resort, SC – www.kiawahresort.com – First Choice Course: Osprey Point; Other: Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Oak Point, Cougar Point

Sea Island Golf Club, GA – www.seaisland.com – First Choice Course: Seaside Course – Other: Retreat Course, Plantation

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, OR - www.bandondunesgolf.com – First Choice Course: Bandon Dunes – Other: Bandon Trails, Pacific Dunes, Old MacDonald

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, NC – www.pineneedles-midpines.com – First Choice Course: Pine Needles – Other: Mid-Pines

Ginn Reunion Resort, FL – www.ginnreunionresort.com – First Choice Course: Legacy Course – Other: The Tradition, Independence

Reynolds Plantation, GA – www.reynoldsplantation.com – First Choice Course: The Oconee; Other: Plantation, The National, Great Waters, The Creek, Richland

Pinehurst Resort, NC – www.pinehurst.com – First Choice Course: No. 8 – Other: No. 2, Nos. 1-7

THE PGA OF AMERICA AND USGA ENCOURAGE GOLFERS TO TEE IT FORWARD IN 2012

Rosemary — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:00:50 +0000

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – The PGA of America (PGA) and United States Golf Association (USGA) want golfers to have more fun by “teeing it forward” all year long.

Following the successful pilot launch of TEE IT FORWARD in July 2011, The PGA and USGA are encouraging golfers to continue to tee it forward and play from distances that match their playing skills. More than 1,900 facilities registered in 2011 with an average of 123 golfers per facility (nearly 237,000 nationwide) playing from forward tees during the promotional period. Additionally, a survey of more than 3,000 consumers who experienced the program showed that 70 percent found their round of golf more enjoyable and more than 90 percent said they would recommend TEE IT FORWARD to a friend. The survey also found nearly 50 percent of respondents saying the program helped them play faster.

“These golfers told us that they found golf more enjoyable by playing courses at shorter lengths than usual. At the end of the day, that’s what we want…golfers to have more fun, which, in turn, hopefully means they will play more and stay in the game,” said PGA of America President Allen Wronowski. “This initiative also generated incredible buzz through traditional and social media, as well as at golf facilities across the country.”

The PGA partnered with the USGA to support TEE IT FORWARD in 2011 and both organizations are once again teaming up to make this a year-round promotion.

“Simply put, TEE IT FORWARD can make golf much more fun for millions of people, while contributing to the growth of the game,” said Jim Hyler, USGA President. “We are encouraged by the results of our pilot, and believe this new approach to the game is really beginning to catch on with golfers of all skill levels.”

TEE IT FORWARD was brought to the forefront by industry veteran Barney Adams, retired founder of Adams Golf. Adams was a strong advocate and ambassador for TEE IT FORWARD in 2011 and will continue in that role.

“I’ve been around the game for more than 30 years and continue to be amazed as golfers make it much harder than it should be by playing golf courses at distances that don’t come close to matching their abilities,” said Adams. “By playing from forward tees, amateur golfers have the chance to play the course at the same relative distance as a touring professional would over 18 holes. We need golfers to be hitting eight-irons and wedges into par fours like the pros…not fairway woods.”

While it was highlighted during a specific time period in 2011, TEE IT FORWARD is now being promoted as a year-round initiative. Courses can set up additional tees to provide golfers with more options or simply encourage golfers to use existing forward tees to potentially have a more enjoyable experience on the course.

The PGA and USGA will be developing educational and promotional materials to be distributed to golf facilities across the country. World Golf Hall of Fame member Jack Nicklaus, PGA TOUR star Dustin Johnson and LPGA star Paula Creamer have been utilized on materials to carry the TEE IT FORWARD message. Both organizations will also leverage PSA and other promotional opportunities around their respective championships to support the initiative.

For more information, visit PlayGolfAmerica.com/TEEITFORWARD.

Timacuan Golf & Country Club

Rosemary — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:05:06 +0000

Traditionally ranked among the Top 20 courses in Florida, Timacuan offers a world-class blend of unique golf holes, challenging golf shots, and scenic beauty.

The front nine holes – one of the strongest opening nines you will find anywhere in the state – sweeps across rolling terrain seldom found on Florida courses.

The back nine holes are equally challenging but offer a different look that showcases everything that makes Florida golf great – from scenic wetlands to moss-draped oaks.

Timacuan was created in 1987 by noted golf course architect Ron Garl, and updated a few years ago by course designer Bobby Weed. The result is one of those rare golf courses that truly does offer a fair and interesting challenge to golfers at every level.

Timacuan features five sets of tees, playing to 7,000 yards “from the tips” but also offering many less intimidating options, including a layout of less than 5,000 yards from the forward tees.

Timacuan Golf & Country Club – 550 Timacuan Blvd. – Lake Mary, Florida 32746
PH: (407) 321-0010

“HIT IT, ALICE! A Woman’s Golf Guide to Everything But the Swing”

Rosemary — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:34:12 +0000

This book is a self-help guide for women who want to play golf with more confidence. It’s an educational tool designed to shortcut the process of learning about the game, its rules and etiquette, as well as its customs and terminology. Barb Hanson’s new book is now available through Amazon for the Kindle Reader as well as the Kindle application on your IPad or smartphone. “Hit It, Alice!” is a great reference book for you or any woman who loves golf.

Europe prevails in Solheim Cup

Worth — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:26:16 +0000

Worth Blackwelder and Juli Inkster 2009 Ricoh British Open

On a rainy, windy, typical Irish autumn day, interrupted three times by weather related delays, the European team found a way to regain the Solheim Cup for the first time since winning in Barseback, Sweden in 2003. The finale was unfortunately affected adversely by the US team in an eleventh hour withdrawal by their top player and anchor Cristie Kerr due to a wrist injury. Apparently playing two days of two matches a day on an already tender wrist was too much, and she was unable to hold the club to compete prior to the singles matches Sunday morning. Cristie had expressed throughout day one and two that her wrist was fine to continue to play every match on, and Captain Rosie Jones had to take her word for it, and played her in all four matches where Kerr was 2-1-1. Having to give the Euros a point before the singles matches began on Sunday proved to be a bit much to overcome.

Paula Creamer was first out of the gate for the US team in singles play and ran into a buzz saw that saw Catriona Matthew finish her off in a 6-5 rout. This would be Creamer’s first ever singles loss. In the second match Stacy Lewis hung tough with Sofie Gusfaston only to fall at the end, 2 down, and suddenly the US was down three points early. Pressel came back from 2 down to beat Norqvist 2 up, Laura Davies took advantage of a few short putt misses by Inkster, but bogied the final hole and Inkster gets an all square half point in her final Solheim match. Inkster hits one of the best long (40 yard) uphill bunker shots I have ever seen to inches on the final hole for par.

The US rookie and captain’s pick Vicki Hurst pulls an upset over Mel Reid winning 2 up, and the Euro rookie Christel Boeljon takes down Lincicome 2 down. Lincicome never seemed confident the entire week. Brittany Lang put a thrashing on rookie Sandra Gal winning 6 up, followed by another big win by Christina Kim over Hjorth 4 up. At this point in the singles, it was looking as if the US would take the cup again, based on how other matches were evolving. Suzann Pettersen birdies the last 3 holes to take down Michelle Wie 1 up, in a match that looked as if the US would win. This was a key turning point as in the match behind it, Ryann O’Toole had been ahead in her match with Hedwall all day, but bogeys 17 and 18 and only gains a half instead of the win. Those two simultaneous events took the US Team down, as Angela Stanford loses to Aza Munoz 1 down in the final match after the finish had been decided.

I wish to congratulate the European Team, and know the US team feels down today. I have been a part of five of the past six Solheim Cups as a caddy for Pepper, Kerr, and Inkster. Every player puts their heart and soul into it, as does each caddy. I had originally planned to grade each player, and submit report cards based on their play over the three days. I have decided to forgo that idea, as I read the report card of a GOLF CHANNEL writer last night, and read a few dozen comments regarding his perceived grades. It can get ugly, and a report card on one’s play for their country can be cruel.

I will say that I praise Rosie Jones for her two gutsy captain’s picks, O’Toole and Hurst who gained 4 of 13 points for our US squad. I will give Morgan Pressel the MVP award for finishing 4-0-0, and picking up 4 points on her own. Creamer gave a good showing, but was used in all four team matches and ran out of gas in the singles. To win we needed stronger play from Lewis and Stanford, and Inkster was not in form as well. Brittany Lang did not play well on team matches with Inkster and Michelle Wie still proves to be an under achiever in professional golf, as she leaves a mark of 1-3 in her matches this week.

On the European side, praise goes to Alison Nicholas for her choices in the team battles. Euro MVP goes to Sofie Gusfaston (4-0-0). Rookie Hedwall (2-1-1) was a big player on this team as well. Co MVP goes to Suzann Pettersen (3-1-0) and Catriona Matthew (2-0-2). These four were the ammunition the Euros took to battle and won with. Davies had one good stretch of holes in the Saturday team matches, but otherwise played mediocre. Munoz was up and down, as was Boeljon, but they won crucial singles points. Disappointing play from the Euro team was witnessed by Nordqvist (2-2-0), Gal (0-2-1), Reid (1-3-0), and Stupples (1-2-0) who only won a forfeit point due to Kerr’s withdrawal.

There has been much discussion of the lack of relevance of this competition between the US and the Europeans since the present professional golf world is so inundated by Asian players. My feeling is this competition mirrors the Ryder Cup and it should continue to be held every two seasons as it has been. It is becoming a tradition now after 20 years of play. It is exciting golf, a very riveting atmosphere. To trash this Solheim Cup because of Asian influx into ladies golf would be a big mistake. If the Asian players wish to compete in a competition of this sort, it needs to be organized. But to negate the importance of this event to US and European up and coming stars who have watched these matches, and dreamed to play in them would be a terrible thing.

BY: Worth Blackwelder

A View of a Tour Caddy

Predictions Day Three Singles Solheim Cup 2011

Worth — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 04:34:26 +0000

Hello again mates, and welcome home to the US caddy prognostications of the Sunday singles at Killeen Castle. I am a 23 year veteran of the LPGA caddy scene and have worked for many of the players in the mix tomorrow in the final singles matches. My predictions for todays foursomes were a 2-1-1 tally which if you were betting the NFL would have profited your bank account. I will give you my predictions of tomorrows single matches for your viewing pleasure.

I do not wish to induce you into betting tomorrows singles matches, but I do have a very inside feel and knowledge of the players involved here. If you have a William Hill or Ladbrokes account overseas you may legally bet my touts. Best of luck.

Let us begin with match one: remember the Solheim score is 8-8. Tied. Game on.

Creamer VS Matthew – Matthew, veteran moxie, better iron player….. Euros

Lewis VS Gusfaston – Gusfaston, longer off tee, experienced overall……. Euros

Pressel VS Norqvist – Pressel, ever get burned by an iron? it hurts…….. US

Inkster VS Davies – Inkster, my insider scoop tells me Davies asked for this pairing and Santa Claus obeyed. Inkster will kick some butt here. Her last hoorah will be a US point. Trust me. Bet this heavy……US

Hurst VS Reid – Not even a match, sorry Vicki, this is a blow out Euro point……Euros

Lincicome VS Boeljon – The most pivital match in the singles format, a crucial turning point match. I pick Boeljon. I have seen her game on the LET in 2010, a very gutsy player, I pick Boeljon to win a tight match. Euro point here…..Euros

Lang VS Gal – Gal has the mojo, played well in both team matches thus far, Lang looking as if she is searching for her game. I pick Gal……. Euros.

Kim VS Hjorth - Possibly the toughest match to handicap. Depends on Hjorth’s putting from short range. Honestly Kim has the game to beat her if she can keep her emotions in check. Hjorth is solid tee to green and I have to pick her based on recent form. Euros in a close one…..Euros

Wie VS Pettersen – Michelle has not proved to me yet that the belly putter is the answer to getting the ball in the hole. Pettersen has never been a strong putter, but I pick Pettersen based on Solheim singles experience here…… Euros.

O’Toole VS Hedwall- Whatever you do, watch this match, gotta be a beauty. O’ Toole has a confidence level that is off the charts, Hedwall may be a better player at this stage but my feel here is a US point. Two great young stars battle out to the last hole. US wins……..US

Stanford VS Munoz – Angela has not had a great two days. This trend will end in this match. Munoz a very solid young star, but experienced Stanford will prevail here. US wins……US.

Kerr VS Stupples – Cannot believe captain Nicholas placed Stupples in the anchor position. She has never won any Solheim Cup matches, none. 0-4 total. Kerr romps here. US wins……US

OK, these are a caddy’s predictions. If you were in Las Vegas, I would say if you bet them all, you WILL MAKE MONEY. But that only means I may be right 7 of 12 matches. Go figure!!!

So my final prediction is the European team will win this Cup back in a 15-13 victory, sorry US team, you needed me as a caddy again. This is the first Solheim Cup I have missed as a caddy in 10 years. Someone hire me in 2013, or maybe I will be there caddying for my daughter Mallory Blackwelder.

Worth Blackwelder

A View from a Tour Caddy 2011 Solheim Cup

First Day Results and capsule: 2011 Solheim Cup

Worth — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 04:07:29 +0000

A summary of day one Solheim Cup action:

Friday Foursomes;

1) Wie/ Kerr escaped with a 2 and 1 victory, mainly due to a holed bunker shot by Kerr on the ninth hole, and poor putting displays by the Euros and a bladed bunker shot over the green and into the pond on the seventeenth hole by Nordqvist. This was a match that was never dominated by either team. Grades- Wie -C -minus, Kerr-B, Hjorth-C, Norqvist-C minus. Kerr was the player that pulled this match in for the US team.

2) Creamer/Lincicome 1 up over Stupples/Reid, The US team pulled out a miraculous victory here, due to the falter of the Euro Team on the last three holes. Grades: Creamer A minus, Lincicome D, Stupples B minus, and Reid B minus. The key to this match was the failure of the Euro team to put this match away between holes 10 and 15 when Lincicome was in a real struggle all over the course. Paula Creamer pulled out this match.

3) Matthew/Munoz 3 and 2 over Lewis/Stanford, The US team was totally outmatched here after the third hole, Munoz almost made no putts or this thing would have been done early. Then she chips in on number eleven to take any momentum away from the US Team. Grades: Matthew A, Munoz B minus, Stanford B minus, Lewis D, Stacy Lewis was never in a rhythm all through the match, and steady Catriona Matthew dominated the flow.

Pettersen/Gusfaston 1 up over Inkster/Lang, a weird match that was decided by the solid putting of Gusfaston. Inkster struggled throughout with her approach shots missing to the right, Pettersen missed numerous shortish putts and Lang was suspect for most of the match. Gusfaston was the anchor here for the Euros. Grades: Inkster C minus, Lang D, Pettersen C, Gusfaston B. Pettersen solid tee to green but Gusfaston MVP of this match for Euros.

As a journalist who is not AT THE EVENT, I will not qualify myself to report or grade the “FOURBALL” matches of Friday, as I watched the telecast intently throughout the entire first session from 2:30 AM till 7 AM. A man must get a little sleep therefore, it is not fair to judge only a part of what I witnessed in the second phase of play.

Day Two Pairings and predictions:

Foursomes:

Match One: Stanford/Lewis VS Hedwall/Gusfaston -I will pick the Euro team based on length and Hedwall’s solid first day play. Lewis looked shaken throughout her rookie debut. My pick Euros 3 and 2.

Match Two: Pressel/O’Toole VS Stupples-Boeljon – I will pick US Team to romp here based on facts that Stupples did not finish the deal in first match paired with Reid, when match was literally won and Boeljon was the only player of the 24 contestants not to compete on Friday. O’Toole is loving her three days on the big stage. My pick US wins 5 and 4.

Match Three: Lang/Inkster VS Hjorth/Norqvist – I will pick US Team to win in a very close match due to Inkster’s moxie and experience and her desire to win another team match to boost her already awesome Solheim Cup resume. Hjorth’s putting is very suspect, and Lang is ready to step up for Inkster in a close win here. My pick US wins 1 up.

Match Four: Kerr/Creamer VS Matthew/Munoz – What a great match this will be. Matthew has played flawlessly and will continue yet Kerr and Creamer will find a way to eke out this match due to experience and will overcome in another close battle. Do not count out the Euros here but Kerr and Creamer’s putting prowess will prevail. My pick: US wins 3 and 2.

If my picks are correct the US team will have a 6 1/2 to 5 1/2 lead going into the Saturday afternoon sessions of which the teams will not be announced until an hour prior to Saturday afternoon fourball matches. Stay tuned for tomorrow evening’s capsule and my final summary on Sunday evening.

Worth Blackwelder

A View from a Tour Caddy Solheim Cup 2011

Captain’s Picks for Solheim Cup announced

Worth — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:58:47 +0000

Cristie Kerr and Worth celebrate at The Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill

By Worth Blackwelder, Tour Caddy

On August 21, after the conclusion of the Safeway LPGA event in Portland, Oregon, US captain Rosie Jones announced her two captain’s picks for the upcoming 2011 Solheim Cup to be held at the Killeen Castle outside of Dublin, Ireland. Yesterday, August 29, the European captain, Alison Nicholas announced her four captain’s picks as well.

On the US team, young four year LPGA player Vicki Hurst was chosen, as well a young rookie Ryann O’Toole. These were choices made by captain Jones based on very recent good form by these two LPGA players as well as the lack of good form shown by several potential US players in the mix for the two picks. I think Rosie’s choices turned a few heads in the golf world. I applaud her choices. There has always been a feeling that has persisted that the visiting team should always choose veteran players as their captain’s picks. Rosie used her intuitions and went against the grain of that theory.

The European choices of Azahara Munoz, Caroline Hedwall, Sandra Gal, and Karen Stupples did not come to me as quite a surprise as the US picks. I actually felt Stupples and Gal would get the nod, and feel the other two choices made by Nicholas are very solid choices based on their play in 2011.

I will break down the recent statistical play of these six players as follows:

US Team member Vicki Hurst – First Solheim appearance. In 2010 made over $400,000 in earnings to finish 28th on money list, had 32/77 rounds under par with 2/24 top tens. In 2011, Vicki has cooled off a bit, with her first top ten of 2011 coming at the Safeway LPGA the weekend Rosie Jones made her two picks. In 2011 she has accumulated 17/45 rounds under par and is 38th on money list. Vicki will be an asset with her distance off the tee at Killeen Castle. Fairways there for the most part are generous in width for her to take advantage of her length.

US Team member Ryann O’Toole – LPGA Rookie – First Solheim appearance. In 2011 she has only played 8 LPGA events, with 2 top tens. Ryann had a very nice showing in the US Women’s Open in July as well as winning an LPGA Futures event in Puerta Vallarta in March. Ryann, as is Vicki Hurst, is a bomber off the tee and will take advantage of her length at Killeen Castle. Ryann is currently is 37 on 2011 money and has posted 10/27 rounds under par. Assets: Young with no fear.

European Team member Azahara Munoz – First Solheim Appearance – 2010 LPGA rookie of the Year, winning over $400,000 in official money in that season, with 20/66 rounds in the 60′s! She only posted 3 top tens in 2010, but had many other top 20 finishes. In 2011 Aza has only one top ten and is currently 40th on the 2011 money list. Aza’s strengths are her accuracy and her short game. She is a very solid putter and that will be an asset in match play competition.

European Team member Caroline Hedwall - LET Rookie – First Solheim Appearance – She has 2 wins in 17 starts this season, and 2 additional top ten finishes. Her stroke average of 71.49 is one of the top stroke averages on the Ladies European Tour. She is currently number 3 on European Tour Order of Merit standings. Caroline is a massive ball striker and will use her distance in all parts of her game against her US Team competition.

European Team member Sandra Gal - First Solheim Appearance – 4th season on LPGA Tour – Sandra has had a “coming out party” in 2011, gaining her first LPGA win at the LPGA KIA Classic in April and has amassed $389,000 in earnings this season to date, 20th on Money List. Sandra has 3/13 top tens, and 17/43 rounds under par in 2011. In 2010, Sandra, won $106,000 in official money and finished the season 67th on money list with 14/63 rounds under par. Sandra is a very good putter and works very hard on her game. She has come into her own this season and I would expect a solid Solheim experience from her.

European Team member Karen Stupples - Second Solheim Cup – her last appearance in 2005 at Crooked Stick in Carmel Indiana – Karen has had a solid 2011 season with only one top ten, a ninth place finish at the Avnet LPGA in Mobile, Alabama in May, although Karen has 22/50 rounds under par this season and has $256,000 in earnings ranking her 27th on the current Money List. 2010 was not as great a year for Karen, but nevertheless she finished in the top 50 on the 2010 money rankings. Karen is the mother of four year old Logan, and wife of Bobby Inman, a solid player in his own right. I caddied twelve events for Karen between the latter part of 2010 and into the first part of the 2011 season. She is very long off the tee and leads the LPGA tour this season in eagles (10). Karen will use her length off the tee and her veteran experience to aid the European Team.

Juli Inkster and Worth Blackwelder in intense discussion.
I feel that the US Team has more veteran experience, although it is a young veteran team as well. I feel Alison Nicholas made some very solid choices to bolster the eight positions that were already filled by way of automatic berths. This will prove to be a very unpredictable Solheim Cup, as there are more Solheim Cup rookies on both teams than I can remember. An interesting sideline will be the play of Juli Inkster as a first time Solheim Cup Player/Captain (assistant). I have caddied for Juli in two Solheim Cups and she will have her game face on, rest assured. This competition will heavily rely on the “middle ground” of each team, meaning how the number 3-8 players on each team perform. This can be true of almost any international competition, but with so many unproven talents playing in their first Solheim competition, be aware that these middle players will be heavily depended upon to post wins and gain precious points for their respective teams.

Worth Blackwelder
www.americasgolfteam.com
www.blackweldergolf.com

About the Solheim Cup:
The Solheim Cup is a biennial, trans-Atlantic team match-play competition featuring the best U.S.- born players from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour and the best European members from the Ladies European Tour (LET). The U.S. Team leads the competition, 8-3, having won the 2009 Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms, just outside of Chicago. In 2011, the Americans will be looking to defend their win and extend their winning streak to four consecutive victories.
Dates: September 23 – 25, 2011 Site: Killeen Castle, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland