Last week US Solheim team Captain Picked one time celebrated, never to the Dance (Solheim), Niclole Castrale over flamboyant and fiery Christina Kim. Christina, loud, passionate point makeing rookie at the 2005 Solheim at Crooked Stick, finishes in the top 10 -4 times in the last 6 weeks, although this last 2nd place finish was after the pick.But a Pick is a pick and that is why there is a Captain, picked by a selection committee whom were picked by the LPGA board of Directors and Executive members and not 12 point qualified players.
There is a lot of decision making when it comes down to rounding out your team for the most pressure packed golf event known to women's professional golf. Betsy King, former LPGA Star and Hall of Fame member has tracked the performance of each US player the past two years in anticipation of this moment. Nobody wants to not pick a player for the Solheim, but the gavel must come down and it doesn't always seem to be fare to those heavy hearted players staying home.
Nicole Castrale 2nd full year pro from Southern California wins her first Tournament on the LPGA earlier this year as she out lasted the strongest player on tour Lorana Ochoa in sudden death at the Ginn Open in South Carolina. Her stats are comparable to those of Christina's who really hasn't played well leading up to the last 6 weeks. Niclole 14 th on the money list with $744,329.00 and Christina at $420,000.00 at the time of pick.
Albeit, performance over a 2 year period is important in making the team. But, when the points are close, most captains look at past Solheim performances, personality, and team balance to lock up the final spot on her team of golfing warriors. That's why I was surprised when Betsy passed up the opportunity to have Christina, with a stellar Solheim record, who can play in your face golf especially in a hostile environment like that to be in Halmstad Sweden. Not to mention the anxiety she would of added to the European players.
But a pick is a pick and Christina admits she had at least 40 events over 2 years to prove her self and earn the privilege to Wave the American Flag. She holds no grudges towards Betsy King or Beth Daniel (assistant captain) as she proudly wears her Red, White and Blue down the stretch this past Sunday at the State Farm Classic picking apart the Panther Creek CC and Annika Sorenstam on the way to another 2nd place finish in as many weeks.
And then as any proud American team mate would do, she then rallied the crowd to chant Sherri Steinhauer's name after Sherri rolled in the impossible putt from off the back of the green to win the tournament and beat Christina by 1 shot.
But, a pick is a pick and it's hard to know yourself truly when put into a situation like that of Captain of The Solheim Team. But as any captain would, Betsy Choose from her heart and your heart has to be Big when you cross the pond to play for the U.S.. She knows every single person on that team will give up everything they have to bring the Solheim Trophy back home with them.
I know Betsy and I know the Solheim. And although she may have made this tough decision in picking Niclole, I feel the fire now burns within our captain to prove her choice and that may be the secret weapon she's been looking for. Hopefully, that fire will help her bring us home that cup.
Check out the 2007 Solheim action next week on the Golf Channel where I will be commentating from the ground.
