Hey Everybody,  Just when you think golf can't get any more exciting than this years US Open, Blam!  Welcome to the 2009 Solheim Cup!  This year I was there wearing two different hats.  One, RosieJones Golf Getaways hosted The Dinner at The Captains Table, where we celebrated the history of The Solheim Cup with special guests The Past Solheim Cup Captains, and two I was asked by Sky TV to commentate on thier show giving an American point of view to all of Europe.  Both were very exciting and very rewarding as we capped the week off with a win from the Americans led by Captain Beth Daniel.

My week started off getting to know my work mates on the show.  All very distinguished commentators in their homeland including one of the Past Captains Mickey Walker.  It was really fun to ride around the course talking about different players as well as getting her point of view on how the underdog Europe was going to fare this Solheim Cup.  I remember several of my practice rounds as a player in my 7 Solheim Cups, and never remember this many people, but the crowds were huge as they were all trying to get an early peek at Michele Wie and stand out Christina Kim.   Both were hamming it up as I stormed the fairway with pictures to get signed for our Auction to be held during our dinner on Saturday night.  And they brought in some big money, Wow!

Commentating was fun when I wasn't being thrown under the bus by our lead talent asking questions like, I guess the squabble between Michele Wie and Morgan Pressel are ok this week since they are on the same team and staying in the same lodge?  Or, What is Kristy Kerr like, word is she doesn't get along with many girls on the team?  Stuff like that, which I handled I very well I thought.  Some warning would of been nice though!

Our Dinner at The Captains Table was a big hit, and alot of people who had attended thought it was the Highlight of the week.  Hearing that knowing all the fun to be had at Solheim gave us a big smile especially hearing it from one of our Special Guests; Acting Commissioner, US Navy Admiral Marty Evans who spoke during the event.  Also, in attendance was Alan and Joan Solheim; son of the late founder of Ping Karsten Solheim and founder of this competition. We had many others, a few former players like Judy Dickenson, Hollis Stacey, Val Skinner, and Golf Digest editor Stina Steinberg. 

 But the main attraction was our past Solheim Cup Captains as they marched to the Bag Piper into the room full of 280 fully charged guests as they whooped and hollered for the Captains as they paraded past their table.  Later as I introduced each captain we threw in a twist to the show and played a special song picked out specifically for each personality.

 We started with Betsy King and as she is known for her charitable contributions around the world, we played JOY TO THE WORLD!  Nancy Lopez, and you know Nancy SHE'S A LADY!  Patty Sheehan: always the show girl! GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN!  Dale Reid: I AM WOMAN!  Judy Rankin: World renowned commentator,  YOU SHOULD HEAR HOW SHE TALKS ABOUT YOU!   Pia Nielsen: From Sweden, MAMMA MIA!  JoAnne Carner: Known on Tour as Big Mamma!  YOUR MOMMA DON'T DANCE, Pat Bradley: Who's mother rang the cow bell after each win,  RING MY BELL!  Mickey Walker:  MICKEY, MICKEY YOUR SO FINE!   Alice Miller:YOUR A SHINING STAR!  and Kathy Whitworth:  Winner of the most tournaments ever (88) YOUR SIMPLY THE BEST!

And did they ever ham it up.  The had a blast and let it show as they danced their way up to the stage, clapping their hands and hugging each other in celebration of each other. It was really great to see them all up there on the same stage having fun and just being together again.  What a list of talent and maybe the most celebrated players ever to be in the same room together.  It was a great night and we finished off with some great questions and stories from the Captains about their experience at the helm. 

 The best thing about the night was raising money for the Charities The LPGA * USGA Girls Golf and The 7th Annual Golf Channels Invitational for the First Tee.  We did really well at our Silent and Live auction bringing in just over $21,000.  What a night! 

I can't wait for the next one.  Take care,  Rj