Solheim Cup brings LPGA to Douglas County
LPGA golfer Stacy Lewis on the green at Colorado Golf Club in Parker. Lewis will return to the club next year to compete in the Solheim Cup, a biannual team match-play competition between players from the U.S. and Europe.
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett
In less than a year, the Colorado Golf Club in Parker will host one of the biggest events in women’s sports. The Solheim Cup, which will be held in August 2013, is a team match-play event, which pits the 12 best women in American Golf against the 12 best women in European Golf. The event, which is held on a biannual basis and alternates locations on either side of the Atlantic, is expected to draw large crowds of golf enthusiasts to watch the American team battle to regain the cup after a loss in Ireland last year. Though players on both sides are friends, they describe the competition as fierce.
“This competition means the world to me. This is truly my favorite event in golf,” said 18-time LPGA winner and U.S. Team Captain Meg Mallon. “It means so much to me to play not only for my team, but for my country.”
For their part, Team Europe is looking to retain possession of the Cup. A win for them here would be a first on American soil.
“We’ve never won in the U.S., and we’re looking to make history,” said European team captain Liselotte Neumann. “It’s an honor to be the captain now.”
One thing both sides agree on is that the atmosphere at the Solheim Cup is unique and festive, featuring singing and celebration throughout.
“Fans chant and dress up,” said Sandra Gal, a player for Team Europe. “You get goose bumps. You just have to be there to see it.”
As for the venue, the Europeans and Americans alike are looking forward to playing on the Colorado Golf Club’s world-class course.
“This course is great for match play,” said American Stacy Lewis. “There is so much ‘risk reward’ on this course – you’ll see a lot happen on that 15 to 18 stretch.”
This history-making event will need a lot of helping hands to make it a success, and volunteers at the event will get special perks and behind-the-scenes access. Volunteers are needed for everything from parking to scoring.
The Solheim Cup will be held at the Colorado Golf Club, 8000 Preservation Trail, in Parker from August 13 through 18.
For information on volunteering or to purchase tickets, visit www.lpga.com/golf/solheim-cup for details.
