Parker chronicle 0823

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Chronicle Parker

Parker 8-23-2013

August 23, 2013

A Colorado Community Media Publication

ourparkernews.com

Douglas County, Colorado • Volume 11, Issue 43

Europeans dominate U.S. team for Solheim victory in Parker By Jim Benton

jbenton@ourcoloradonews.com

I

t was a historic day on Aug. 18 at Colorado Golf Club, but it didn’t involve a miracle on the greens. Team Europe retained the Solheim Cup with an 18-10 victory over the United States and won for the first time in seven events played in America. The win marked the first time a team from Europe has won back-toback Cups and the margin of victory was the largest in the history of the event, which began in 1990. The United States went into the final day staring at a substantial fivepoint

Find more coverage of the Solheim Cup on pages 22 and 23. deficit. The Americans could not pull off a miracle comeback as the Europeans won 7½-4½ in the 12 singles matches played on Aug. 18. There were five singles matches that were halved, the most in history. “We took it to them and they couldn’t answer,” said Europe’s Suzann Pettersen who resides in Oslo, Norway. Pettersen was right. Team Europe played superior golf and putted much better on the quick greens. “They played some great golf this week and really deserved to win,” said U.S. captain Meg Mallon. “I give credit to them, they played well, had a holein-one (Anna Nordqvist on Aug. 17), a chip-in and we just didn’t have putts drop for us. The team gave it their all. I love my team. “This (Solheim Cup) is the greatest show in women’s golf. The way we played 16, 17, and 18 is what made the

Cup continues on Page 27

Above, European captain Liselotte Neumann hoists the Solheim Cup in victory during closing ceremonies Aug. 18 at the Colorado Golf Club in Parker. At right, American players applaud as Team Europe accepts the cup. Photos by Deborah Grigsby

Tournament a matter of pride for thousands of fans Joe Smith drove out from Salt Lake City with his 10-year-old nephew, Tanner, to show their support for Team USA at the Solheim Cup. The pair kept count of how many people commented on their attire and were at 51 when this photo was taken Aug. 16. Photo by Chris Michlewicz

Crazy outfits, loud chants are part of Solheim Cup culture By Chris Michlewicz

cmichlewicz@ ourcoloradonews.com Golf is often thought of as an individual sport. It’s a little different when national pride is on the line. It was a constant theme among the LPGA’s best and brightest stars in the weeks leading up to the Solheim Cup in Parker: fan support would be key. And, judging by the crowds at the opening round Aug. 16, those words were heeded.

The throngs of fans who arrived to cheer on the United States came decked out from head to toe in red, white and dark blue. They stuck flags and pompons in their caps, painted their faces and proudly wore their nation’s colors. Joe Smith, who drove from Salt Lake City to the Denver area with his 10-year-old nephew, Tanner, on the Tuesday before Solheim Cup play started, planned ahead. The pair wore USA-themed floppy hats and shirts. During the Aug. 15 practice round, the Smiths kept count of how many people commented on their outfits, and were at 51 by about 3 p.m. It was their first trek to the Solheim Cup.

The European team, meanwhile, enjoyed raucous chants from those who made the trip from the United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden and other lands. They haven’t acted like they are severely outnumbered. They donned the light blue and yellow uniforms worn by the European players, along with crazy wigs, flags and colored glasses. Coleta Salas, a 23-year-old on Fans continues on Page 27

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