The Captains Blog by Captain RoJo                                       Feb 10, 2011

It’s been exactly 1 year since I was named 2011 U.S.  Solheim Cup Captain and the truth of this experience is that there is not a better more exciting job or role I will ever have again.

Captain, means many things especially when I look back to the many different hats I am wearing with this title.  In the beginning, I don’t think I realized how much an influence the Solheim Cup Captain has in the preperations of the event.  I have somehow become Event Planner, Fashion Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Promoter, Music and Video expert, Team Strategizing Agent, Sports Psychologist and Professional Shopper.  And I’m sure there will be more hats to wear as we get closer to The Solheim Cup in September.

With my recent trip to the 2011 PGA Show, I was able to meet with Antigua, Imperial Head Wear and Sunice our Rain Gear company’s to go over last minute details of the design and fit of the Players Uniforms.  Really great stuff as I was able to meet with those top designers and make specific changes and additions that will really enhance Team USA’s feel and look as we take the Tee.

Every single day is or at least a part of it is put aside to work on a special aspect of the Solheim Cup.  A lot of our attention has been on our schedule this year and what we will be doing to bring our players together in a way that we feel like a team when we get to Ireland.  We have some really super cool plans for our Practice Sessions over the course of the summer which will help us out a lot. 

Speaking of my players, I can’t tell you how proud of them I was of their play last year.  If I was to look at the line up at the end of the year, I would say this USA line up is stacked pretty much how I thought or hoped it would.  Cristie Kerr finishing the year ranked 3^rd in the World topped our list with 441 points.  And just behind her are Solheim Cup regulars, Morgan Pressel, Michelle Wie, Angela Stanford, Paula Creamer who all who had stellar years and right where you would expect them.

Working the middle of the pack are Brittany Lincicome and Brittany Lang both long and strong off the tee had goods showing in 2010  and will have to continue their good play to maintain their positions.

Young talent but solid player Stacy Lewis is working her way into the top 10 with consistent play last year and hoping to earn her first spot on this year’s team.  US firecracker Christina Kim is rounding out the top ten with fighter Kristy McPherson.  Both players have played in recent Solheim Cups and say in almost every interview they give how important and how bad they want to play on the next Solheim Cup.

Big Fun, but no surprise is my Assistant Captain, Juli Inkster hanging around the top 12 with 3rd year pro Vicky Hurst, and many top Solheim Cup veterans in perfect position to make their move with points going ito this springs competition.

The Big Fun Question is:  Will Juli Inkster play her 9th Solheim Cup as an Assistant Captain?

The 2011 point system moves to amplified points worth 1 ½ points with a win at 60 points.  Of course Majors are worth double again, which means if you play well in those you'll be makeing huge points.

This should give us a lot of excitement as we watch our players start the season in Asia next week.  Being Solheim Cup year, the pressure is on and players are feeling the pressure between them to make the points each and every week.  Of course their main objective is to win tournaments, but if you are not in contention, next priority is to make the points. 

Knowing that we only  have 224 days  until the first ball will rifle off the clubface to the fairway of Killeen Castle #1, it is my intent to make the most of every advantage this team can have.  My entire Team USA, those at the LPGA, and those near and far to me are in high gear looking at every detail for the week of Sept. 19 – 25.  Another huge part of my Team USA will be our Fans!  We need as many fans over there, so come on over to Ireland with us and Support our Top Players as we battle for the most Coveted Cup in Women's Professional Golf Team Competition.  The Solheim Cup!

With that said we still have to play our ball, and that will come down to the players and how we perform when the bell rings  in Ireland on Friday September 23rd, 2011! 

Until Next Time,  Relax But Attack!

Go USA!    Captain RoJo