What is the Solheim Cup? A tournament between the USA and Europe you may say. Well it’s much more than that and I’ll tell you the story about the Solheim family who immigrated to the USA from Norway in 1913 and how how the “Cup” came about.

Herman and Ragna Solheim settled in Seattle, WA and Herman works as a shoemaker. Their son Karsten graduated from High School in 1931 and two years later enrolled at UW to take courses for mechanical engineering. The depression caused to withdraw from UW after one year. He later worked during the war at Ryan Aeronautical in San Diego and studied part time at the University of California.

After he graduated he was working for G.E. in New York when he was talked into playing in a foursome in golf. Loved it but found putting to be a big problem. OUT TO HIS GARAGE HE WENT TO DESIGN ONE!

It was there the Solheim “Anser” putter was invented in 1959. Immediate attention and acceptance was when Julius Boros, PGA player, used this putter in the Phoenix Open and WON the tournament.

Karsten knew he had developed a winner, quit his job with G.E. and started his own company, Karsten Manufacturing in Phoenix. We are all familiar with the brand PING and it’s success in golf clubs. Karsten’s son John is now President of the company.

The Solheim Cup, held for the first time in 1990, was started by the generosity of the founder of the Ping golf equipment company, Karsten Solheim. This is a biennial tournament and it is the 16th time it has been played dividing the tournament between courses in the USA and Europe.

Today we played the “Singles” matches and started with the teams tied with 8 wins each!

Results:

Winners in bold

Carlota Cigandavs. Danielle Kang

Caroline Hedwall vs.Nelly Korda

Georgia Hall vs. Lexi Thompson

Celine Boutiervs. Annie Park

Azahara Munoz vs. Angel Yin

Charley Hullvs. Megan Khang Halved

Anne van Dam vs. Lizette Salas

Caroline Masson vs. Jessica Korda

Jodi Ewart Shadoff vs. Brittany Altomare

Suzann Pettersenvs. Marina Alex

Bronte Lawvs. Ally McDonald

Anne Nordqvistvs. Morgan Pressel

Europe 14 1/2

USA 13 1/2

I hope you watched the fantastic women’s golf played these three days at the Solheim Cup. The most thrilling, exciting, afternoon with Suzann Pettersen sinking a 7’ putt to win the cup.

Congratulations to the European Women’s Team