2017 Solheim Cup Preview

Annika Sorenstam

At 5’ 6” and hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, the first-time Captain of the European Team was an assistant captain in 2015 and played in eight Solheim Cups, for a time holding the record as the all-time leading points earner in Cup history (Laura Davies took that honor in 2011).

Will you talk with your team about the Suzann Pettersen “no concession” of 2015? That is over. We have moved on… I think both sides learned from last year and will exhibit great sportsmanship in Des Moines.

Can one player lose the Cup for the whole team? No. Every point counts the same. Every player counts. We are a team.

Do you feel more isolated or alone as a captain than you did as a player? I never felt isolated as a player or a captain. Frankly, with the incredible team spirit and environment we have, I feel a tremendous bond. It’s almost like you are more protected because you are all in it together as one.

Toughest part of being a Solheim player: It’s easy to put more pressure on yourself since it’s one of the few weeks per year you are not just playing for yourself.

In order of importance, three factors you consider when selecting pairings: The players’ requests, their playing styles, and their current form.

Which is more important at Solheim: heart or skill? Skill and heart are both very important. If you play a full schedule, skill would prevail, but during three days having a big heart can take you a long ways.

Pre-match team ritual? Singing songs in the bus on the way to the course.

Special team diet during Solheim? Like any tournament week, nutrition is a big part of our players’ success and preparation. That won’t change.

Over Solheim history, which team has had the better uniforms? It varies each year. I hope ours are better this year as we will be wearing the ANNIKA Collection by Cutter & Buck…

Do you prepare a victory speech ahead of time? Yes.

Do you prepare a defeat speech ahead of time? No.

If you could only say one thing to your team before the start: There are no shortcuts to success.

Juli Inkster

At 5’ 7”, from the city of Santa Cruz, California, the veteran American Captain lead the U.S. Team to victory in 2015 and played in nine Solheims of her own. She’s currently the winningest American player in the Cup’s history, with 18.5 points.

Will you talk with your team about the Suzann Pettersen “no concession” of 2015? It’s water under the bridge; we’re moving on.

Can one player lose the Cup for the whole team? No. Never.

Do you feel more isolated or alone as a captain than you did as a player? I thought I would but I didn’t, I felt involved in everything. It was a really great feeling.

Toughest part of being a Solheim player: No one wants to let their teammates down, that’s probably the hardest thing. You’re not just playing for yourself anymore; you’re playing for your country and for 11 other girls, and you don’t want to let them down.

In order of importance, three factors you consider when selecting pairings: How they’re playing, how they get along, how I think they can handle the pressure.

Which is more important at Solheim: heart or skill? Heart.

Pre-match team ritual? Maybe a glass of wine at night? That’s a prerequisite…

Special team diet during Solheim? They’re all gluten free, fat-free, fun-free, healthy, you know. They all eat weird, so I try to accommodate that as much as I can.

Over Solheim history, which team has had the better uniforms? Us by far. No question. That’s not even a contest. Was there a really bad year for the European uniforms? Pretty much every year! And I’m kidding! But we get to wear red, white and blue, and that’s the best.

Do you prepare a victory speech ahead of time? No.

Do you prepare a defeat speech ahead of time? No, no. No victory or defeat speeches ahead of time. You know what? I wing it, I’m a total winger. I’m not the most organized person in the world, so I wing it.

If you could only say one thing to your team before the start: Just be you.

How to spot a European

“I want them to see us coming.” That’s what Annika Sorenstam told Dorienne Raynolds, designer of the European Solheim Cup uniforms and Lead Senior Designer for Ladies Product at Cutter & Buck, which makes both the uniforms and the ANNIKA line of ladies golf wear. “Annika said she wanted it to be very bold and strong. She’s a competitive spirit by nature of course, and so it’s strong, clean, cool.” If the precision and speed with which the uniform was developed is any indication of the Europeans team’s drive, Team USA could have its hands full: Raynolds says she had only two or three weeks from conception to production: “it happened really, really fast.” Here, she gives us a look at what the Euros will be wearing. Safe to say, the Americans will see them coming:

Annika wanted it to reference the EU colors:

Yellow stars on a blue flag—not dissimilar to the colors of the Swedish flag…

There are different looks for each day of Solheim.

This is the Kaia Half-Zip, a top that will be joined by polos, some with collars, some without

• All fabrics are UPF 50, offering coverage and protection
• Fabric is moisture-wicking, plus mesh was put in specific places to create breathability
• Shoulders are shaped and seamed to support and enhance the swing
• All seams sculpt around players’ bodies, helping with performance

Competitor Pull-On Skort

• Fabric is perforated for maximum comfort and breathability
• Construction is smooth, precise and very clean

2017 Solheim Cup

WhenAugust 14–20

WhereDes Moines Golf and Country ClubWest Des Moines, Iowa

Overall win record, 1990-2015:

Solheim Cup Results