(Helsingborg, August 14 2002) World number one Annika Sorenstam makes a welcome return to her homeland as she heads the field for the £325,000 Compaq Open at the delightful Vasatorp GC nearby the historical harbour town of Helsingborg in Sweden.
The 31-year-old from Stockholm last played in her Sweden in 2000 where she finished in third place in the Compaq Open behind American Juli Inkster at Barsebäck G&CC – venue for The 2003 Solheim Cup – and is aiming for a top performance to help make up for both controversially missing this event last year and for failing to make the cut at last week’s Weetabix Women’s British Open.
 |
| Reid – a storm brewing for selection |
Likewise with Carin Koch, three rounds leading the British Open and sadly falling away during a tough final day, but still finishing in the top ten. Koch, who is paired with England’s Laura Davies and Dane Iben Tinning during the first two rounds, has admitted to be relying on a pick, but is giving herself every chance to impress.
Davies, winner of the P4 Norwegian Masters two weeks ago still believes she needs to get an automatic spot, which, if she did, would mean the loss of either, Pettersen, an in-form Tinning or Gustafson.
And to throw a spanner in the selection ‘works’, five-time Solheim Cupper Catrin Nilsmark, who was today announced as Reid’s successor, added yet more sustenance on Reid’s veritable table of thoughts.
The 34-year-old from Gothenburg, who finished tied fourth at Turnberry, will captain the European Team when Europe meets the USA next September. But for Reid, it’s a confusing time.
“The build up is exciting, but the way it is going right now, it is going to be a very hard two weeks, I’ll be glad when it’s over and I can concentrate on strategy,” said Reid after a busy day helping organise her Solheim countdown.
“This is so much harder now than it was last year because it seemed that everyone last year played their way in and the picks were relatively straightforward for me. There was of course some controversy, but I’ll get that whatever I do.
“This time last year I could give a few players ’the nod’, but I just cannot do that now, there is just so much talent to pick from on Tour now.”
