2-10-2010

Getting the Call for Captain!

It was turning out to be some what of a gloomy day, (we have had many of those this winter) as I was sitting in my office perched in the loft of my house, when my phone rang.  Not recognizing the number, I chose to ignore the call as I was reminiscing about my mother and how she would be turning 80 that day. 

A minute later I picked up the message, it was the new commissioner of the LPGA Mike Whan.  "If I could call him back he would love to talk to me."

I remember talking to Betsy King (2007 Solheim Cup Captain) last November on the range at our Legends Tour Championship and how her call to the Captainship came from out of the blue with out any forewarning.  And even knowing that, I had no idea that this would be his reason for calling me.

 Carrie my partner walked into my office, I mentioned who it was and she insisted I call him back.  She knew the ring of truth.  Me, I was oblivious, but she insisted again that I call him right back.   She was encouraging me to make myself available to the LPGA as I have the past couple of years.  Call him let him know you are there for the LPGA, want to be an ambassador, ready to help in any way.

So I did and when the conversation led to the Solheim Cup, I still was not thinking that he would be blurting out those words.  "We would like you to be the 2011 U.S. Solheim Cup Captain."  I was so flabbergasted; I asked him if he had just said what I thought he said.  And he said yes, you are the next U.S. Solheim Cup Captain!

Like a movie, It couldn't of been any more perfect as I sat there amongst all of my Solheim Cup memorabilia, bags, trophy's and photos.  All the reminders of previous Solheim's and the passion that goes with them surrounding me as my eye catches a picture of me and Patty Sheehan on our first match together at Lake Nona Fl.  The site of the First Solheim Cup in 1990.

Now, the magnitude of what he was saying overwhelmed me as I walked around the room, my voice escalating, my mind reeling, and yes a little nervous thinking about the next two years and what that means to me. 

Being the 2011 Captain marks a new dimension for me and I look forward to the experience with as much motivation, zest, and excitement as I did as a player."I couldn't be more proud to represent the United States and to lead the U.S. Team to Ireland next year to retain the Cup. 

The Call ended with a lot of thank yous, and I sat there for a minute just taking in the moment.  I had a lot to be thankful for.  This is going to be a great experience and great fun as I start to plot my course over the next 19 months.  I know there were several fantastic players out there that were in the running for the 2011 Solheim Cup Captain and I am honored and humbled by their belief and choice in me.

Until next time,

              Relax but Attack