May and June have turned out to be very productive and exciting months as I start my work as Captain of the 2011 U.S. Solheim Cup Team.  Back from the Kraft Nabisco, I made a quick trip to the LPGA Headquarters in Daytona Beach to meet with all the key staff members there at the LPGA and Solheim Cup tournament office that will be helping with the organization and operation of the Solheim Cup.  Learning the amount of time and effort by so many dedicated people was overwhelming and I was thankful to have had the chance to meet everyone in person.  

 My next focus was to put my head around the task of picking my two Assistant Captains.  It seems like a simple task, but a lot of in-depth thought and experience has helped me pick the two key people who would be helping me throughout these next several months as well as during the competition over in Ireland. 

 Given a just a few guidelines as far as who I can pick the list became longer and longer as I looked at several players and past Captains who have made an impact on my Solheim Cup Experience.  Having played on 7 Solheim Cup Teams gave me the advantage of knowing first hand what is needed from an assistant and who would be fitting of that role.  And since I am awarded with two assistants, I had fun trying to figure out how we all will balance each other and bring our strengths to the forefront. 

 As I mentioned, the list began to grow with the abundance of great players, friends and characters who have played in The Solheim Cup , but the two people who filtered to the top were naturals when the decision was finally made.  With another quick trip to The Bell Micro LPGA Classic in Mobile, Alabama, the announcement was made to the Press, Fans and players, my two exciting choices.    

 Juli Inkster, 8 time Solheim Cup player, Top U.S. Point maker, Hall of Fame Member and longtime friend and competitor.  Sherri Steinhauer, 4 time Solheim Cup player, Top 20 Career money,  2 Time Major Champion, and also a long time friend and competitor on the LPGA. Both of these successful and talented women bring a wealth of experience, passion and team leadership to the table, and I look forward to working closely with them over the next several months as we plan our strategy to win the 2011 Solheim Cup in Ireland.

 The three of us would be the foundation of what will be a great 2011 Solheim Cup Team and it was with pride and honor to select these Gals as my partners going forward.   It will be our job to share that wealth of experience with our 2011 U.S. Players while leading them to victory.  

 My next task was to start the process of putting together the Players wardrobe for the Solheim Cup.  I know it seems a bit early, but this is a big deal when you realize how much effort goes into reaching the design and style to display the passion and excitement of this generation of players as they represent their Country at the Solheim Cup.

 My first trip on this project started with a trip up to Montreal, Canada to meet with Sunice our Official Rain Gear Company to be used in Ireland next year.  Rain gear alone could be one our most important pieces of equipment as we look where we are playing and what time of year.

  Sunice,  a very popular outer wear company known in Canada and Europe, but practically new to those of us in the U.S. was very exciting to meet as we were ushered into their display room full of life size mannequins wearing every style imaginable of their Rain suits.  Very impressive and it took only a couple of hours to come up with what will be some very stylish and effective rain suits for not only our Players, but Caddy’s, helpers and staff. 

 The beauty of being named Captain is I get to make all of these decisions, but then I too will take the heat if things don’t turn out well.  Such is the game of life and for all of us who play golf, we know that that’s what makes golf so great.  We live by our decisions and be grateful to have been given the opportunity to make them.  Bring it on!  I say! 

 As the LPGA gets going on their summer swing so do the U.S. Players.  Cristie Kerr widens the margin between herself and Angela Stanford at the #1 Spot on the U.S. Solheim Cup Points List for winning at the State Farm Classic.   Lots of players starting to put their summer game face on in anticipation of 2 upcoming majors, The LPGA Championship in Rochester, NY and The US Open at Oakmont CC, Pittsburg Penn. 

 Remember, Major Championships award double points to those U.S. players finishing on Sunday in the top 20! 

I’ll be there to catch the action at the LPGA Championship being played at Locust Hills, one of my favorite courses on tour, which happens to be home of two of my wins (The Wegmans International) as a non-major event.

 More to come as the summer heats up. 

Relax but Attack!  Go USA!

Captain RoJo!