The LPGA is in freefall. Its best player (Annika Sorenstam) has retired. Its next best (Lorena Ochoa) can’t win majors. Its most recognizable (Michelle Wie) is a bust. And its wing-nut commissioner (Carolyn Bivens) has walked the plank. Little wonder that sponsors are fleeing faster than Usain Bolt.
So in a year in which women’s golf has all but demonstrated its irrelevance, along comes the Solheim Cup.
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Conceived 20 years ago by Norwegian-American club manufacturer Karsten Solheim, the competition was the LPGA’s answer to the Ryder Cup, pitting the best players of the U.S. against the best from Europe. With Sorenstam leading the Europeans, the event had some appeal.
But now with Annika at home in Orlando, making babies, wine, golf courses, and clothing, there’s little buzz for the event which runs Friday-Sunday at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill.
The U.S. has its predictable cast of appealing but flawed players. Paula Creamer leads in Solheim Cup points, but still is majorless. Cristie Kerr blew it at the U.S. Women’s Open. More was expected of talented Brittanys Lang and Lincicome. Morgan Pressel seemingly peaked at age 18. Pinup girl Natalie Gulbis has one career victory. And sadly, Wie’s swing, once an awe-inspiring force of nature, now is constrained by too many swing thoughts.
As for Europe, its stars are Norway’s Suzann Pettersen and ageless Swede Helen Alfreddson. So perhaps its time for the LPGA to dump Europe and create a more interesting competition. Here are three suggestions:
Honma Cup
Sponsored by the Japanese club manufacturer, this competition would pit North America versus Asia. Why North America? Because without Mexico’s Ochoa, the U.S. wouldn’t have a chance. Of the world’s top 50 players, 27 are from Asia.
Se Ri Cup
Named for Se Ri Pak, who has inspired a generation of players from her country, this would feature the U.S. (population 304 million) against South Korea (population 48 million). Korea has a deep and young talent pool, which includes 17 of the world’s top 44 players.
The Kournikova Cup
Inspired by the tennis star who gained fame for her looks, instead of her backhand, this competition would feature the blondes, led by Gulbis and Australian bombshell Anna Rawson, versus the brunettes, led by Wie and Grace Park. Politically correct? No. But a ratings blockbuster, guaranteed.
