Capelle On Golf

I figured my golf hangover following last week’s incredible PGA would keep me away from the TV this weekend. But as the day wore on, I couldn’t resist the call of the Solheim Cup. What a good decision that turned out to be.

The contest was not decided until late in the day, which made for good theatre. The crowd was into, and their enthusiasm was infectious. Rich Harvest Farms photographed well. The long grasses in areas where no human should ever hit the ball add immeasurably to the layout’s attractiveness.

I like Beth Daniels’s laid back, hands off style. She let the players play, and that they did as they posted a 16-12 win. She also looked like a genius for using a captain’s pick on Michelle Wie, who went 3-0-1.

Christina Kim made millions of fans and perhaps as many detractors on the other side of the pond with her over the top exhortations to the crowd. In the exuberant celebrations department, she can give Tiger three strokes a side and steal the money.

I found myself rooting for the Europeans as well because they were playing their hearts out without the benefit of the infamous 15th club the US players were so blatantly brandishing.

I’m happy for Paula “The Pink Panther” Creamer, who won the opener to set the tone for the day. And I would love to see her win her first major, but only if she stops using her caddy to line her up – and that goes to all of the LPGA players engage in this ethically challenged practice.

Michelle Wie has had issues with closing out rounds and tournaments, and it looked like more of the same on 17 when she lost a hole thanks to a wild drive to cut her lead to one hole. But she bombed a drive on 18, hit a long iron to within 30 feet, setting up a two putt birdie and a win. Best of all, she looked to be enjoying the game. The golf world (except those she’s going to beat) hopes that this experience will lead to her transformation into a big time champion.

Where was Natalie Gulbis? They showed her play a couple of shots, but she was mostly ignored over the last couple of hours, even when it appeared that a win in her anchor match might be needed. For the record, she halved her match after being 3-down with four to play against Janice Moody. Perhaps the folks at the Golf Channel decided her skirt was too short for prime time.