O'Toole is surprise USA Solheim pick

GOLF:USA SOLHEIM Cup captain Rosie Jones caused something of a surprise when including the 24-year-old LPGA tour rookie Ryann O'Toole, a tournament winner nonetheless, as one of her two wild card selections for the clash with Europe at Killeen Castle from September 23rd-25th.

The American team contains nine players from the victorious side of 2009. Jones’ other selection went to Vicky Hurst as the top 10 players in the US Solheim Cup rankings automatically qualify. Of those who qualified by right, only the number three Stacy Lewis didn’t play two years ago.

Jones admitted: “This has been an extremely exciting and difficult selection process. 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 Killeen Castle.”

Juli Inkster becomes the oldest player to participate in women’s professional golf’s version of the Ryder Cup at the age of 51. She will also be the first-ever playing assistant captain from either the USA or Europe.

“I will be a player first and an assistant captain second and Rosie understands that. I feel like most of my career I’ve worn two hats as a mom and as a player, but it will be a challenge,” she said.

O’Toole, a California girl who likes to surf, is a graduate of UCLA. She recently finished ninth in the US Women’s Open. She enthused: “Rosie (Jones, US non playing captain) took a chance on me and that means more than I can explain. It means just as much as winning a tournament.

“To have someone go against what people might think and go out on a limb with a rookie. She can see what I’m made of. She said she can see my moxie. When I played well at the US Women’s Open, I thought of some new goals.

“Rosie told me I was on the radar and it’s been on my mind since. I wanted to do whatever it took to get on this team. I’m looking forward to playing with these girls and to representing America. The fact that I get to be amongst these girls is an honour and I know I can partner up with any of them to make a great team.”

O’Toole did add – “I’m ready to kick Europe’s butt,” – a provocative statement for one so inexperienced. In selecting the Californian, ranked 18 in the standings, Jones passed over Katie Futcher (12), Kristy McPherson (13), Wendy Ward (14), Pat Hurst (15), Natalie Gulbis (16) and Stacy Prammanasudh (17).

The European Solheim Cup Team, led by captain Alison Nicholas, will be named next Monday in Dublin. Melissa Reid, Laura Davies, Suzann Pettersen and Solheim rookie Christel Boeljon have already secured spots on the team through the LET (Ladies European Tour) point standings.