I’m sorry to be mercenary about it, but both the LPGA and the Solheim Cup got exactly what they needed this weekend: controversy.
Before this weekend, the Solheim Cup was a niche thing recognized for what it was – a cutesy weekend of girls having fun rather than a true rejoinder to the Ryder Cup. Fans just really didn’t care that deeply if their team happened to lose. It was merely a shrug of the shoulders and a “too bad, so sad, see you next time,” sigh of resignation.
Until the gamesmanship started…and you can not blame the Americans this time.
First there was the tawdry incident Saturday morning when European assistant captain Annika Sorenstam gave caddies advice during a match and got away with it. Steve Eubanks of Global Golf Post has a perfect breakdown here.
That was bad enough, but then Suzann Petterson looked like the worst sportswoman in the world when she walked away from the green so quickly that it convinced Alison Lee the putt had been conceded. Lee even head some one concede the putt, but after the European team insisted innocence, they were awarded the hole and a 1-up lead with one hole to play. Here’s video of the incident
Now all America is livid, and rightfully so. That was bush league…and demeaning to the LPGA that such an embarassing spat occurred during what they desperately hope to bill as their Ryder Cup.
Enter the cavalry…in the form of the American team roaring back from a 10-6 deficit during Sunday singles. Shades of Brookline, anyone?
Now all Europe is livid – whether it’s circling the wagons around Petterson or just jingoism in general.
And that’s what the event needed…people to get pissed off an care about it. Now they do. Now the gloves are off.
So I guess…at the end of the day…everyone should be thanking Suzann and Annika. They’ll sell a lot more tickets and merch next time, that’s for sure…
