Alison Nicholas named European captain for Solheim Cup
By Mark Garrod Special to PA SportsTicker
Laura Davies has called the appointment of her former partner Alison Nicholas as European Solheim Cup captain, “the only possible choice they could have made.”
The 4-10 Nicholas won six caps before becoming vice-captain to Catrin Nilsmark and then an assistant to Helen Alfredsson for September’s match in Sweden.
She will take take charge for the 2009 clash at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois. The United States leads the series, 7-3, and has won the last two contests. The Americans have never been beaten at home.
“We face a big challenge, but I don’t believe that anything is impossible,” Nicholas said. “I want to enjoy the whole experience and to have fun with my team. I want to help them to be the best that they can be.
“It’s a great honor, and I’m delighted. I can’t wait - it’s fantastic. I’m really excited and very passionate about the Solheim Cup. It’s a magnificent competition and something that I always look forward to.”
Born in Gibraltar, the 45-year-old Nicholas grew up in Sheffield and has resided in Birmingham since 1988. She currently teaches at the Alison Nicholas Golf Academy and is training to become an LPGA professional.
The Americans already have appointed Beth Daniel as captain. She served as vice-captain to Betsy King in their recent 16-12 victory.
During her 20-year career, Nicholas recorded 18 victories around the world before retiring from competitive golf in 2004. Her proudest moment came in 1997, when she won the U.S. Women’s Open.
The former British Open champion - that was before it became a major - also won the European Order of Merit that season and was awarded the MBE for services to golf.
Karen Lunn, chairman of the Ladies European Tour and the European Solheim Cup Committee, said: “Alison has all the credentials we were looking for in a captain and thoroughly deserves this opportunity. I am not sure that there is anyone that is as passionate about the Solheim Cup as Ali.
“She fully understands the difficulty of the task that lies ahead in going onto U.S. soil to get the Solheim Cup back.”
