Sorenstam named Solheim Cup skipper

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  • March 30, 2016

Annika Sorenstam will captain the European team for next year's Solheim Cup in the United States.

The selection was unveiled at the ANA Inspiration on Wednesday, on the eve of the start of the major championship.

Sorenstam is one of the most successful golfers in female history, winning a record 90 tournaments, including 10 majors.

She featured in the Solheim Cup as a player eight times from 1994 to 2007, helping Europe to victories in 2000 and 2003.

The Swede promised to handle things differently if another situation arises like the one that marred last year's event.

Tempers flared after Europe's Suzann Pettersen refused to concede a 16-inch putt to Alison Lee after the American picked her ball up on the 17th green.

The hole was awarded to Europe, but the incident served only to galvanise the US team, who went on the win the Cup.

"It will be handled differently (next time)," Sorenstam told Reuters on Wednesday.

"We need to put it behind us. Suzann stood up, Carin did what she could and I think we need to respect them but at the same time move on.

"There were so many other wonderful stories last year, the golf from the American team was exceptional on the last day for instance," added Sorenstam, one of Koch's vice-captains at St Leon-Rot.

"If we are going to grow this game we have to think about the positives too and that is my intention.

"It's not just me, it's the whole team. We all experienced it and I think everybody learned something from it. I don't think we'll get in that situation next year."

Juli Inkster is returning to captain the US team.

The Solheim Cup will take place from August 18-20, 2017, at Des Moines Golf and Country Club.

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