2002 Solheim Cup

Americans Rally to Regain Solheim Cup

Patty Berg helped found the LPGA Tour in 1950. A half-century later in 2002, the story circled back to Berg’s childhood playground when Interlachen hosted the Solheim Cup, the premier team competition sponsored by the organization she helped start.

The Solheim Cup is the LPGA Tour’s equivalent to the PGA of America’s Ryder Cup, pitting a team of American woman professional golfers against a team of European woman professionals.

The rivalry between the American and European teams was strong. Europe was the defending champion, and its anchor, Annika Sorenstam, was 31 years old and No. 1 in the world. Her machine-like accuracy was on display at the practice range that week when her then-husband caught her 150-yard shots with a baseball glove, barely moving a step. Led by captain Dale Reid, the Europeans were determined to win for the first time on American soil.

The Americans’ mission was to regain the Cup that they had lost two years earlier at Loch Lomond.

The Solheim Cup was a great display of patriotism by players and spectators alike, as it was played just a year after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. American pride was running high. During the opening ceremonies, each national anthem was played while a player from that country raised her nation’s flag. The sight of Berg, diminutive and frail at age 84, raising the American flag was especially poignant. A Stealth Bomber flew over head to cap the ceremony.

The Europeans are known for their strength in foursomes (alternate shot) because they have played it more often. As expected, they dominated those matches the first morning, taking a 3-1 lead. But the Americans fought back and tied the event at 4-4 after the afternoon four-ball (better-ball) matches. The first-day rally was led by Michele Redman and Meg Mallon, who scored an important victory over Sorenstam and Maria Hjorth in their four-ball match.

The roles were reversed on the second day, when the Americans won three of the four foursomes matches. Sorenstam and Carin Koch defeated Cristie Kerr and Redman for the only European point that morning. Sorenstam and Koch were paired together again in the afternoon and defeated Beth Daniel and Wendy Ward in the first four-ball match. Their victory set the tone, as Europe won three of the four matches and pulled ahead 9-7 heading into the final-day singles.

The Americans would need a strong start, and captain Sheehan knew just the player to ignite the surge. Juli Inkster, a spirited and steely veteran, led the charge, winning the first singles match. Laura Diaz and Emilee Klein then won the second and third matches to give the Americans a 10-9 lead. Redman was 5-up with five holes to play against Suzann Pettersen in the fifth match, but the feisty 21-year-old Norwegian fought back to tie the match for a critical half point, which kept the Americans from taking the lead. Pettersen established herself as a promising future star. Her adrenaline was flowing after the match when she enthusiastically described her comeback with expletives during a memorable interview on NBC.

The sixth match was critical for the Americans. Wendy Ward, No. 56 in the world, took Sorenstam to the final hole and held on for a halve. Both players hit perfect drives short of the pond on the par-5 finishing hole. Ward hit her second shot in the left greenside bunker, hit a great blast to 6 feet but then hit a horrific putt that would have won the match. Although Ward had a great opportunity to upset Sorenstam, she delivered an unexpected half point that morally deflated the Europeans and kept the team score tied at 11-11.

Mallon gave the Americans the lead for good with a big victory over powerful Laura Davies in the ninth match. Davies had pleased the crowds throughout the week. Twice she reached the par-5 first hole in two shots, with a 3-iron and 3-wood. She also tried to drive the par-4 10^th hole, but landed in the front bunker.

The Solheim Cup was a special week for Interlachen. The television coverage showcased the immaculate condition of the golf course and the grand clubhouse atop the hill. The Solheim Cup was special for Berg, as well. She was asked during the event what was the biggest victory of her career. “I don’t like to do that because there were so many tournaments that I liked,” Berg replied. “The greatest thing was when we founded the LPGA. And you can see where we are now.”

Written by Christine Geer Dean

2002 Solheim Cup - Opening Ceremony

2002 Solheim Cup - Juli Inkster

Day 1 Results:

Day 2 Results:

Day 3 Results:

2002 Solheim Cup - American Team