Cup format a challenge for Sorenstam

Annika Sorenstam admitted today that, for the good of Europe’s Solheim Cup team, it might be best if she takes a rest during this weekend’s match against the Americans in her home country.

The most successful European player in history – 10 major victories and 76 other tournament successes around the world – has never missed a session since she made her debut in 1994.

But Sorenstam has spent most of the season recovering from ruptured and bulging discs in her neck and, while much better than she was, the 36-year-old still does not feel back to 100%.

Asked if she could play all five games in three days at Halmstad Sorenstam replied: “It’s a very good question. If you had asked me two months ago I would have said no, but it’s different once you get here with the adrenaline pumping.

“I have to see how I feel. If I feel good I’m going to do what they want me to do. I also think I need to be honest and to say if I don’t feel like I can.

“Every point is important. If I can’t play up to the way I need to then I need to let somebody else go out there and get that point.

“It’s a team effort and whoever feels like they can get the point should be out there. It’s a decision we’re going to make at the time. If I take a break it would be the fourth match (Saturday afternoon’s fourballs), but we’ll see.”

Sorenstam is the record points-scorer in the event’s history, having picked up 21 and a half points in her seven appearances. That is one more than England’s Laura Davies has achieved and ever-present Davies will be winning her 10th cap this week.

The United States are the holders, but there has only ever been one away win - at St Pierre in Wales in 1996 – and Europe triumphed by a record-equalling seven points at nearby Barseback four years ago.

“I definitely think it matters where you play,” commented Sorenstam.

“We’ve seen that in the past. It is extra to play on your home turf with the crowd on your side and wanting to prove that we can do it.

“I’m excited about playing in the Solheim Cup and hopefully it matters this year too.”

The former world number one is one of four Swedes in the side and extrovert captain Helen Alfredsson is another.

Invited to compare former model Alfredsson to her previous captains Mickey Walker, Pia Nilsson, Dale Reid and Catrin Nilsmark, a smile came across Sorenstam’s face and she stated: “I would say she is different.

“She just has a very different approach. She is very easy-going. She appears to be less organised, but I know she’s not – she knows what is going on.

“She just has more of a laid-back attitude and she is more about living in the moment than the way I would be. I would probably be way early trying to prepare.

“But things are going very well. I think we have great team spirit and I think the captain has a lot to do with that. So far, so good.”

That is indeed good news for Europe’s chances as Sorenstam and Alfredsson have not always seen eye to eye in their careers.

Getting the best out of Davies as well as Sorenstam could be crucial for Alfredsson, who was particularly candid when asked about the 43-year-old from Surrey.

“If she is in a good mood she brings a lot. It is trying to keep her in a good mood. I said to her yesterday ’I know it’s your way or the highway. We’re trying to make it your way so we don’t all end up on the highway’.

“I’ve known her for many years and she knows she can’t pull any of those tricks with me. I have seen her in some bad conditions together in town. So I have that on her.

“If she doesn’t behave she knows I’m going to let a few out.”

The biggest drama so far appears to have concerned another of the home contingent, Sophie Gustafsson, whose car was deliberately broken into so she could switch to a more comfortable pair of golf shoes.

“She got a big pain on her feet with the shoes she had,” explained Alfredsson.

“She lost her keys and I had to find somebody that had a pretty suspicious past that could burglarise the car.

“Halmstad provides all kinds of people. We got the shoes and now she is happy.”