I have to say that an MVP for the European Team was Melissa Reid. Born in Derby, England and making her current residence there, this was her first Solheim Cup. She turned pro in December of 2007 and began her professional career with a handicap of plus 5; which was also the lowest handicap in Europe at the time. She's won twice on the LET this year; with a victory at the Deloitte Dutch Ladies Open in June and more recently, the Open de Espana Femenino on Sept. 15th. She had one win in 2010, giving her 3 career wins. She's posted her lowest round of 65 twice and had 24 top ten finishes. To me, she shows strength, talent and determination. She plays with a tigress demeanor poised on only the shot at hand. Would it surprise anyone that one of her interests is playing football along with snowboarding?
A big surprise to most fans, was the withdrawal from Cristie Kerr due to a wrist issue. While Dottie Pepper was rather firm against the fact that Cristie should have told Captain Rosie Jones and crew just how much her wrist was hurting. Dottie states that it is part of being a leader and in her position. Now on the other hand, Cristie wasn't sure what the issue was and had taken anti-inflammatories which seemed to quiet things down, thus giving her the feeling that she could play friday and saturday when that discussion arose with Rosie Jones.
I know one thing, Cristie is a competitor and a very focused and highly detailed one at that. For her to have to bow out because her wrist was not able to withstand gripping the clubs on the practice range Sunday morning, had to be her last resort. There's no question that she would have played if this was just an occasional pain, etc. When something like a tendonitis is acute/traumatic from injury or overuse, one doesn't always know when that "breaking point" will occur. Like most professional golfers, you play with aches and pains sometimes throughout the entire season. I wish Cristie some down time and time to heal both physically and emotionally.
Now, let's dabble in the strong opinions of who I feel should have been played. First of all, when you have a duo such as Christina Kim and Michelle Wie who went 4-0 at Rich Harvest Farms in 2009, one would think you would pair them. To me, that is a no-brainer! Christina Kim played friday afternoon and then not again until Sunday individuals. Shut the front door, but that seems ridiculous to me! I completely mean no disrespect to Stacy Lewis however, when she was having a disastrous saturday morning, one surely would not put her back out in the afternoon. Why take that chance when the Cup is at stake? She struggled with both of her foursome matches (friday and saturday). Go with some of your veteran Solheim Players that have solid proven records! And yes, Stacy played well on Sunday but that doesn't make "what could have been a very different scoring for saturday" any easier to swallow had there been solid players with proven records out there! Christina Kim is not only a great Solheim Cup player, she is a FAN FAVORITE and she can get the fans and other team members fired up like a grand cheerleader. Those attributes along with an outstanding duo record with Michelle Wie speak for themselves or at least SHOULD HAVE! Now, while I know there are many who agree with me and that was evident via Twitter feeds throughout the Solheim Cup; Christina has done nothing but display class and respect for the decisions that Captain Rosie Jones made. She is a remarkable woman and athlete and I for one hope, that 2013 find Christina & Michelle back together in foursomes as they should have been this past week!
While I'm tipping my hat to Christina for her class and respect, another player comes to mind. That player is Karen Stupples of England and also well known as Cristie Kerr's individual match opponent for Sunday. Karen displayed exemplary respect for Cristie during her interview after finding out that she will win the point for Europe under this well stated rule. Karen Stupples was back playing in the Solheim Cup, only her second after being on the 2005 roster. She had some great chips and putting during her play and was great fun to watch.
For those that questioned Rosie's Captain Pick of Ryann O'Toole, shut the front door and take a seat. Ryann showed both talent and maturity in what was her first Solheim during her Rookie year! Ryann, who has played in 9 LPGA tourneys had 2 top ten finishes, 5 rounds in the 60's and earned over $165,000 thus far this season. She tied for 5th at the Safeway Classic this year, and was a two-time winner on the Futures Tour in 2010. Her collegiate accolades include 12 Top Ten finishes and 2007 Pac-10 Conference Honorable Mention selection. This young lady is going to have a great career ahead of her.
One thing is for sure, the job of being Captain during the Solheim Cup is at the least, trying and difficult. It requires making choices that some will and some won't agree with. It means taking chances on some players and being ready for the backlash on both picks for the Team as well as some matches. The statement that I want to ring solid, is that ALL of these athletes on both Team USA an Team EUROPE deserve a huge round of applause. The captains and assistant captains I'm sure are due for a much needed rest. While my opinions are just that, I mean no offense to anyone in any way. They are merely "my opinions" on this blog. I am a true and blue golf fan and supporter of our ladies on the LPGA & LET Tours. Everyone involved in the 2011 Solheim Cup should stand proud and be thanked for another outstanding job and some great competition that we the fans were able to enjoy!
Well done ladies, well done!
Now, Go Hit Some Balls...............
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