IN MY VIEW

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
What a huge disappointment that we (Europe) lost the Solheim Cup. After battling for the first two days, and literally either halving or winning every match that went to the eighteenth, Europe miraculously managed to take a one point lead into the singles, but sadly as has historically almost always been the case, we got

thrashed in the final series of matches loosing them by three and a half to eight and a half. Weather conditions for all three days of the match were horrible, with the day two morning foursomes being delayed for three hours due to gale force winds. That meant that day two's afternoon fourball matches couldn't be completed, so on Sunday, those fans who were up early were treated to a full day's play, and once again some incredible escapes by the European team.

It is hard to apportion blame to any players, as there is no doubting that everyone gave their all, but we lost too many matches because of our poor scoring rather than because of the American's brilliance. The outstanding match of the singles series was that between Suzanne Pettersen and Stacy Prammanasudh, with Suzann loosing by 2 and 1 despite going round in approximately 69. Stacy P. a considerably shorter hitter than Suzann would have scored approximately 67 which, given the course and playing conditions, was the round of the

week. Elsewhere, European rookie Becky Brewerton gave a good account of herself gaining a half from her match with the experienced Sherri Steinhauer, sadly, Becky was one up with one to play and made a mess of the eighteenth to hand a half point to Sherri. Linda Wessberg one of Europe's other rookies did well to beat U.S.Open Champion Cristie Kerr, and Catriona Matthew 's mixture of steady and brilliant golf was too much for her American counterpart Laura Diaz in the top match. Laura Davies capped a memorable individual performance by beating Brittany Lincicome, but elsewhere Europe were disappointing. Apart from Stacy P, Morgan Pressel did well to hang on to Annika's coat tails on the front nine, but then moved up a gear to gain a valuable and memorable point against the former world number one in her rookie appearance. Two other American players stood out for me - Pat Hurst, who possibly played the most consistent golf of any player all week, and Paula Creamer, who proved yet again that she has that rare quality of raising her game when necessary, and playing the "big" shots brilliantly.

It was an anti climactic finish to a great week. Europe's Captain, Helen Alfredsson was an emotional wreck at the end of it all - she had given her all and must have

started to believe like me, that the unbelievable was possible and that Europe could win. As it was, America's strength in depth told in the end, and Europe's miraculous escapes in the foursomes and fourballs, didn't continue into the singles. The fans were amazing, following their teams in truly horrendous conditions. The torrential squally rain and gale force winds made it cold,wet and miserable, but that didn't dampen their spirits.

All things considered, it was a good week, but the question on everyone's lips is how can Europe be competitive in two years time? With the core of the European team approaching or being the wrong side of forty, and the American team having a core of young players - Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel, Natalie Gulbis, Brittany Lincicome and Stacy Prammanasudh, that will only improve with experience, it is hard to see when the next European victory is likely to come!

Elsewhere, in team competition, Nick Faldo made a good start to his career as a Captain, when his GB&I team, even though somewhat controversially there weren't any Irish representatives, beat Seve's Continent of Europe team with an impressive display in the final day's singles matches.

Tiger won the inaugural Fed Ex series by a mile, as well as the American PGA money list and apart from his own event in early December, won't be playing any more competitive golf until next season. The European money lists both men's and ladies have still to be decided, so the final few events of the year will take on much significance.

I will be back in the build up to Christmas to comment on what's been happening in the world of golf, before taking a break and enjoying the festivities myself! Until then - happy golfing!