Catrin Nilsmark (Captain)
CA recurrence of a back problem has hampered her mobility as captain but she has adapted a buggy to keep in touch with play during practice and finalise her teams. The Swede has represented Europe five times and holed the winning putt at Dalmahoy in 1996. The glamorous 36-year-old from Gothenburg posted a perfect three-point record as one of Dale Reid’s picks for the winning 2000 team. She’s married to golf broadcaster Fredrik Nilsmark.
Alison Nicholas (Vice Captain)
The 1997 US Open champion brings valuable experience and character to the team. Aged 41, the pint-sized golfer from Birmingham has represented Europe six times and won 18 times around the world. Awarded the MBE.
Annika Sörenstam (Sweden)
Has dominated women’s golf for the past two years. The Swede became the first woman ever to shoot 59 and has set over 50 scoring records on the LPGA Tour. She was also the first woman to compete on the PGA tour for nearly 50 years when she played the Colonial tournament in May this year in a barrage of publicity. Sörenstam has won 55 titles in ten seasons including a career grand slam. Married to her manager, nothing would mean more to Sörenstam to help Europe regain the Solheim Cup on home soil.
Sophie Gustafson (Sweden)
One of the most naturally talented ball strikers, she has won four times in the last year in Europe. A highly capable player on difficult courses, Sophie has power, finesse and determination plus a great sense of humour.
Laura Davies (England)
England’s greatest ever woman golfer, she raises her game for team events like this. Davies has pioneered the growth of women’s golf with her powerful, swashbuckling style. A glittering career spans 66 victories with four major championships and eight Solheim Cup appearances. A dynamic player who will want to contest every match.
Elisabeth Esterl (Germany)
Making her Solheim debut. The 27-year-old Bavarian, who comes from a small town appropriately called Dingolfingand, has claimed 22 top tens and five second places on Tour to be one of the most consistent performers. Tenacious, she’s renowned for her accuracy and silky putting stroke.
Iben Tinning (Denmark)
It will almost be like playing at home for the 29-year-old from Copenhagen, who lives less than an hour across the bridge that separates Denmark from Sweden.
Her strength is driving the ball prodigious distances and will be a key factor in fourball play.
Ana-Belen Sanchez (Spain)
Third Spaniard to represent Europe and earned her place with consistent performances on the Evian Tour. A protégé of Ryder Cup star Miguel Angel Jimenez from Malaga, she is noted for her big hitting and laid back personality.
Suzann Pettersen (Norway)
This powerful Norwegian with a fighting spirit is a birdie machine when she gets in the groove. One of her most memorable moments was recovering from dormie five down against Michelle Redman to grab a half point in last year’s Solheim thriller in the US.
Carin Koch (Sweden)
Yet to be beaten in the Solheim Cup she has earned seven and a half points in eight matches including holing the winning putt at Loch Lomond in the 2000 Solheim Cup. An obvious captain’s pick, despite balancing motherhood with her career. A deadly putter, she’s a natural to team up with Sorenstam.
Patricia Meunier-Lebouc (France)
Patricia has typical French panache and flair but is four months pregnant with her first child. However, reckons she will be in perfect condition to cope with the rigours of her second appearance in the Cup. Aged 30 she won her first major championship at the Kraft Nabisco Championship in Marchand and was fifth at the Weetabix Open in August. She will want to make this a memorable occasion before taking maternity leave.
Catriona Matthew (Scotland)
After three years of frustration, finally got the birthday present she wanted when Nilsmark announced her as one of five wild card picks. The 34-year-old Scot has claimed five top tens on the LPGA in 2003 and has been consistently in the top five in the birdie rankings. Versatile and an excellent match player she represented GB&I in three Curtis Cups.
Mhairi McKay (Scotland)
Winner of the Australian Open in February, Mhairi (pronounced Vari) was disappointed not to win the US Open where she led after 36 holes. Played in two Curtis Cups and earned a scholarship to Stanford University as a contemporary of Tiger Woods. Has an uncanny ability to shoot low scores.
Janice Moodie (Scotland)
The comely Scot, who was married earlier this year, got the nod over Becky Morgan from Wales. Played key role in Europe’s 2000 victory and was a feisty competitor in matchplay.
