by Jeff Skinner
It looks like Rosie Jones isn’t afraid to stir the pot. The 2011 Solheim Cup Captain went “off the board” as they say, for her two captain’s picks. Jones selected third year player Vicky Hurst and rookie Ryann O’Toole who has only seven LPGA tournaments under her belt. While the two players are certainly playing well lately Jones must be hoping that a bit of youthful enthusiasm will help her team.
Neither player has won on the LPGA but both bring hot games and a feistiness to the team. As O’Toole was announced she said she was thrilled and “ready to kick butt.” Jones agreed and said that’s why she picked her. Both players finished tied for fifth at this week’s Safeway Classic and O’Toole finished ninth at The U.S. Women’s Open this year.
The ten players that qualified through the points system are Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Morgan Pressel, Angela Stanford, Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, Brittany Lincicome, Brittany Lang, Juli Inkster and Christina Kim.
Inkster will set a few milestones in Ireland next month. At 51, she will be the oldest competitor in Solheim Cup history and she will be the first player to also serve as an assistant captain. She’ll also be older than the two captain’s pick combined, Hurst is 21 and O’Toole is 24.
Jones said this has been a tough process and is proud of her team. “This has been an extremely exciting and difficult selection process,” said Jones. “I’ve been tracking these players for more than two years and tonight I feel we have built a fantastic team to represent the United States. Vicky and Ryann are two really solid players who will complement our team as we now focus on our strategy and performance next month at The Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle.”
There’s a lot of talent on this team, and plenty of spirit. That’s just what Jones wanted.
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