US team shaping up well in rankings

GOLF/SOLHEIM CUP:WITH THE countdown on to the Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle in Co Meath – 80 days to go – the qualifying standings would seem to burden the United States with favouritism.

No fewer than seven of Rosie Jones’ team are inside the top-25 of the world rankings, while just two of Alison Nicholas’ side are placed in that top group.

Americans Cristie Kerr (second), Paula Creamer (eighth), Michelle Wie (11th), Morgan Pressel (12th), Brittany Linicome (14th), Stacy Lewis (10th) and Angela Stanford (23rd) are among the top-25.

In contrast, only Suzann Pettersen (third) and Maria Hjorth (17th) of the potential European team are placed so highly.

Interestingly, Sandra Gal – the fifth-best ranked European player in the world at 36th – is outside the European qualifying standings, although, with two majors this month, there is likely to be some significant movement as players seek to earn automatic places.

The teams have different qualifying systems: the European team is selected by taking the top four from the LET points standings, followed by the next top four European LET members to appear on the world rankings, plus four captain’s selections.

In contrast, 10 players automatically qualify for the US team by earning points for wins and top-20 finishes over a two-year qualifying period.

Captain Jones then selects two players at the end of the qualifying period.

EUROPE

LET Points

1 Laura Davies (Eng) 176.33

2 Melissa Reid (Eng) 169.16

3 Christel Boeljon (Neth) 151.59

4 Virginie Lagoutte-Clement (Fra) 113.0

World Rankings

5 Suzann Pettersen (Nor) 10.90

6 Maria Hjorth (Swe) 5.19

7 Anna Nordqvist (Swe) 3.77

8 Catriona Matthew (Sco) 3.08

UNITED STATES

1 Cristie Kerr 669.0

2 Morgan Pressel 423.5

3 Stacy Lewis 383.5

4 Paula Creamer 374.5

5 Michelle Wie 358.0

6 Angela Stanford 356.0

7 Brittany Lincicome 338.5

8 Brittany Lang 210.5

9 Juli Inkster 188.5

10 Christina Kim 150.0

* Europe have four captain’s picks, US have two