Breaking down the Solheim Cup

A couple of weeks ago Catrin Nilsmark injected the Solheim Cup, which will be played this week at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minn., with something it desperately needed: a little controversy.

As only she could do, Nilsmark, who for the first time in the history of the event will not be playing, fired off shots at the U.S. team on a Swedish Web site. She said that Michele Redman "has absolutely no talent," called Cristie Kerr "a brat," and summed up Wendy Ward as "too nice for match play."

Surprisingly, the ultra-conservative LPGA Tour allowed these comments to be posted on its own Web site's message boards, which prompted an onslaught of comments.

But let's not condemn Nilsmark just because she likes to talk as much as she likes to wear revealing outfits on the golf course. Her synopsis was pretty accurate. Here is how I see the Solheim Cup shaping up.

United States

Juli Inkster: She will be the heart and soul of this team. Losing Dottie Pepper (to injury) was a big blow, but Inkster will pick up the intensity.

Laura Diaz: She won a couple of events this year but suffered a major setback at the U.S. Women's Open, collapsing on the weekend. Since then her game has suffered, but she has demonstrated the all-around skills to be a force.

Rosie Jones: For years I've said that she does it with mirrors; Jones has absolutely the worst golf swing on the team. She is the shortest hitter and probably the weakest link. She has never won a major championship, and the Solheim Cup is played under even more pressure.

Michele Redman: I would have to echo Nilsmark's statement. But surprisingly, week in and week out, she plays exceptionally well on tour. Unfortunately, she did a bit of a choke job at the last Solheim Cup in 2000 at Scotland's Loch Lomond Golf Club, blowing a big lead to Carin Koch, and that will be hard to shake from the memory bank.

Cristie Kerr: She is the player I would want to be partnered with. She is a star in the making. Kerr is the LPGA Tour's next American Idol. She as all the tools and a surplus of desire, which might be her downfall. When she learns to curtail her ambition, she probably will enjoy more success. She is not scared of anything or anyone.

Kelli Kuehne: Nilsmark called her the loudest American, and while that might be true, teeny-weeny Kuehne can back up her words and has every reason to be cocky. She can hit all of the shots and was a member at Interlachen for several years, which will be a tremendous advantage.

Meg Mallon: A wily veteran who never makes too many mistakes, which is a key in match play. Her record hasn't been as stellar the last couple of years, but she will be a dangerous opponent this week.

Beth Daniel: I still consider Daniel one of the best ballstrikers in the history of the game, but her weakness is her putting, which could be magnified this week. Still, she is an important veteran on a team full of rookies.

Wendy Ward: About 10 years ago everyone thought that Ward was going to be the next Nancy Lopez, but that never materialized. However, she can make birdies, once holding the 54- and 72-hole scoring records on the tour. And, yeah, she is a nice person, but she would kick Nilsmark's butt.

Emilee Klein: She practices way too much for me, but showed a couple of weeks ago in Springfield, Ill., that she has the guts and desire to play well. There will be no choking here; if she loses, it will be because her foe played better.

Kelly Robbins: Consistent is the best word to describe her; she is the tour's current leader in consecutive cuts made (45). Some might call her an underachiever; her putting has held her back.

Pat Hurst: She has never really found her form after having her second child earlier this year; probably just doesn't have the same desire and or the chance to practice as much. Let's see if Sheehan pairs her with Robbins, who was her partner when the Sorenstam do-over was called two years ago.

Patty Sheehan, captain: She is the kind of captain the U.S. needs if it wants to regain the Cup. She is the ultimate competitor yet has a great sense of humor. She will keep things light but will make the right decisions.

Europe

Annika Sorenstam: She is the best woman to ever play the sport, but can one player carry a team? We'll find out.

Sophie Gustafson: I've had the pleasure of being in Gustafson's pairing quite a few times this year, and each time I walked away scratching my head. The Swede will reel off three birdies and an eagle, then take a quadruple bogey or something stupid like that. But she is dangerous.

Maria Hjorth: This Swede quietly had a terrific year, finishing 29th on the money list. The former curling star knocks it close often and will be tough in match play.

Helen Alfredsson: Way past her prime, but captain Dale Reid decided to bring her along as a good-luck charm. When I caddied for Alfredsson I had to close my eyes when she putted, it was so pitiful. And if Nilsmark thinks Kuehne is loud, then Alfie blows out the amp.

Laura Davies: LD either plays too conservatively or with too much reckless abandon. Lately, if she is not in the hunt she almost gives up. But there will be no giving up this week. She is the leader of the team.

Mhairi McKay: She had a breakthrough year without actually breaking though. Halfway through the season, the Scot was leading the tour in birdies, yet didn't have a win. Sunday has not been her favorite day, but unfortunately everyone plays next Sunday.

Carin Koch: This Swede will do more than accentuate the team photo; she is as fiery as she is attractive. Koch showed she can handle pressure by earning the clinching points in Europe's victory two years ago.

Raquel Carriedo: She and Nilsmark have some history. They were paired during the second round of the Nabisco Dinah Shore, and Carriedo was DQ'd for signing an incorrect scorecard -- on which Nilsmark had made an error. Carriedo stood in the top 10 at the time, but she redeemed herself by finishing fourth at the Women's Open. Finished second to Sorenstam in qualifying points.

Karine Icher, Paula Marti, Iben Tenning, Suzann Pettersen: All four are Solheim Cup rookies (as is McKay) who don't play on the LPGA Tour, so no one knows too much about them. Marti, who wears a headband, just won the sectionals of Q school in Palm Springs last week and most likely will be playing the American tour next year. These rookies will either make or break the Europeans this week.

Janice Moodie, Catriona Matthews: Oh, that's right, they were left off the team. But since they deserved to make it, especially over Alfie, I thought a mention was appropriate.

Dale Reid, captain: She isn't universally liked and she doesn't do everything by the book (like not calling players who did not make the team). But no one can complain about her results. She engineered Europe's upset two years ago and will make it close again this year. Unfortunately, Reid is hampered by the five rookies, and their inexperience will be too much to overcome.

Tom Hanson, a regular contributor to Sports Illustrated's Golf Plus section, is a longtime caddie on the LPGA Tour. Click here to send him a question or comment.

 

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