Sorenstam Turns Down Solheim Cup Captain Offer


Annika Sorenstam has decided not to be the next captain of the European Solheim Cup team. The next biennial match will take place in 2013 at the Colorado Golf Club in Parker, Colo.

In explaining her decision, the 41-year-old LPGA Hall of Fame member said, "I simply cannot provide the necessary time that the European team, Solheim family and the entire event deserves."

Sorenstam certainly has the pedigree to be the captain. Retired from competitive golf since 2008 to raise a family and tend to various business interests, she played in the Solheim Cup eight times, winning 24 points in 37 matches.

The winner of 72 LPGA titles said on her website (http://annikasorenstam.com), "The Solheim Cup has been an important part of my career, and I hope to one day lead the European team. However, after working with Captain Alison Nicholas and her team this past year as Vice Captain, I saw firsthand the incredible amount of work and dedication it takes to be the Captain.

"With my young family, foundation, businesses, and other commitments I have already made to try and help grow the game, I simply cannot provide the necessary time that the European team, Solheim family, and the entire event deserves.

"This certainly was not an easy decision to make, as the Solheim Cup will always be very special to me. I am confident that the Ladies European Tour will select a wonderful Captain and I have offered to help the team in any way I can, in an unofficial role."

The European team will be seeking to win its second straight Solheim Cup title following its 15-13 victory last year at Killeen Castle in Ireland.