Nicholas to step down as Solheim Cup captain
Nicholas checked out of her Dunboyne hotel yesterday and flew back to England, without the trophy she hadn’t seen since Sunday night, as her winning players headed for the four corners of the world.
Before she left, Nicholas confirmed the Killeen Castle triumph will be her first and last after a breathtaking finish to the first Solheim Cup on Irish soil.
“It was a great week in Ireland and it proved once again that this country can host the biggest tournaments,” said Nicholas.
“Everything about the week was unforgettable. From the welcome we received in Ireland to the dramatic finale on Sunday night, we couldn’t have asked for any more. Everyone connected with the European team is grateful to our Irish hosts and our Irish fans. I’m sure we will be back in the future.”
Nicholas may return to Ireland and Killeen Castle when the venue hosts the Ladies Irish Open for the third year running next August but she won’t come back as European captain.
“It is time to pass the baton on, I’ve served two terms as captain now and I won’t be tempted by a third, not even after winning this one,” said Nicholas.
“I’ve enjoyed my time with the team and I am so proud to go out on such a high but my reign is over. Others deserve the chance to lead the team now. I leave Europe as champions and I believe our game and our tour can kick on from this now.
“We will go to Colorado in two years time with real confidence and there is no reason why these players can’t become the first European team to win on American soil as well.
“That’s what we have to aim for now. This was a big win because everyone said we couldn’t beat America in the singles but we did that this time, we deserved to do it and it still feels so good.”
Killeen Castle hero Suzann Pettersen paid tribute to Nicholas as the search for a successor gets underway with vice-captain Annika Sorenstam favourite to lead Europe in 2011.
“Alison can leave now, she’s got her win,” smiled Pettersen.
“She has been a great captain. After losing last time, Ali was desperate to win this one and she did. She is a great leader and a great inspiration to all of us.
“Ali may be small but she is fiery and she has guts. She’s not afraid to take the hard decisions and she will be a hard act to follow.”
Pettersen will enjoy a quick holiday at home in Norway before returning to LPGA action in America with a grin on her face next weekend.
“It’s sad that this is all over,” added the world number two after playing to over 80,000 fans in Dunsany.
“I said on Sunday night that we will all remember this week in Ireland for the rest of our lives and I meant it.
“I enjoyed myself so much this week that I did wonder why I play an individual sport and not a team sport. It can act as a boost for each of us as individuals and as a team.
“This win can be a start for us now. We have a great tour and great players. The Americans will hate us now going to Colorado in two years time and there is no reason why we can’t win there after this Irish experience.”
One candidate who won’t be seeking a nomination to captain the side in America is European team veteran Laura Davies after a win she described as the best of her unrivalled 12 match Solheim Cup career.
“I will never be a captain, I wouldn’t enjoy that role at all,” said Davies. “My aim for the next two years is to play well enough to get into the team for Colorado. If I am good enough I will do it but I won’t be a captain. It is not the sort of thing I will relish.”
The rest of her team may have departed but one member of the winning European team is staying in Ireland. German rookie Sandra Gal is off to Cork and Kerry with her Douglas caddy Roy Clarke for some g ‘n r – golf and relaxation.
“I am sure we will be celebrating Europe’s win in Cork but sadly we won’t have the trophy with us,” said Gal ahead of planned visits to Waterville and Ballybunion this week.
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