Annika Sorenstam ‘excited’ to captain Europe at the 2017 Solheim Cup

The Ladies European Tour (LET) announced recently that Annika Sorenstam would be leading Team Europe in next year's Solheim Cup.

Sorenstam hopes to regain the Cup which was won by the United States in Germany last year, where she was Vice-captain. “I can not tell you how excited I am,” she said. “I had hoped and dreamed that this opportunity would come along.”

Sorenstam hopes to add to an already illustrious golfing career, racking up 72 LPGA Tour wins and 10 major championships - as well as previously being a part of two previous Solheim Cup winning sides.

Talking about the Cup and how she is in the best place for the responsibility now, Sorenstam said: “I’ve played eight of them and I still wanted to be involved in the game but I wasn't ready to put in the time and the commitment that it takes.

“It’s just a lot of work and I just wasn't ready with a young family and my business, but fast forward six years and here I am. My kids are a little bigger and I am ready and want to do this now.”

PING chairman and CEO John Solheim was one of those that praised the choice of Sorenstam for captain. “Annika’s experience in the Solheim Cup and steely determination are the perfect combination to lead the European team next year at Des Moines Golf and Country Club,” he said. “She has been a role model for the game’s current stars, many of whom will now draw inspiration from her as they seek to recapture the Solheim Cup.”

Next year’s tournament will take place in August and will be the 15th in the event's history. Despite the wait, Sorenstam seems to relish the opportunity to compete again. “The event has really grown over the last decade and we look forward to representing Europe in Des Moines, a tremendous golf market.”

We will have to wait until next year to find out if Sorenstam's enthusiasm and passion for her position will pay off in a victory for Europe - and whether they can steal the Cup back from the United States.