Welcome to my first blog! This will be a good way to keep you all informed about the captain's job leading up to the Solheim Cup next year. It feels like we are still a long way away, but I have a feeling that time will fly by and before we know it we will be on our way to Colorado Golf Club.

Speaking of Colorado Golf Club, it is situated in Parker, Colorado just south of Denver.  The course, which was designed by Ben Crenshaw, is as challenging as it is beautiful. I travelled there for "The Year to Here" event a few weeks ago in August. While I was there, I had the chance to look at the hotel where the teams will be staying. We looked at restaurants, work-out facilities and meeting rooms. We are already making plans for our team room, where the players, caddies and their families can get together.  We plan to relax away from the course by eating together, chatting, playing video games, engaging in ping pong matches, pool and watching movies together. I am even working on a playlist to listen to during our down time which all players will contribute to.

Anna Nordqvist and Sandra Gal joined me at Colorado Golf Club for a friendly exhibition match against Stacy Lewis and Angela Stanford. The US girls were captained by Meg Mallon and the match was played over 3 holes.  We played a different format on each hole starting with fourball on the first, foursome on the second and singles on the last. Guess who won? :) Anna and Sandra looked great in their Abacus clothes. Abacus is from Sweden and we have worn this brand in the past Solheim Cups.  They will again be our official clothing sponsor for the European Team. I wear Abacus as well when I am playing on the Legends Tour as they are both stylish and comfortable.

At Colorado Golf Club we had a press conference to meet the local media and this was the perfect time to announce my two vice captains, Carin Koch and Annika Sorenstam. I am so happy and delighted to have these two great players supporting me.  I believe that we can give our team the foundation they need to focus on their game and play with confidence.

During our stay in Colorado we also had the privilege to attend a Colorado Rockies baseball game. We were all brought out on the field with the Solheim Cup trophy for a quick introduction and then we enjoyed a great game which the home team won!

I was in England in September for the Ricoh Women's British Open at Hoylake . It was a beautiful golf course, but the windy and rainy conditions gave the girls a hard time.  We had a player "get together" in the Champions Club at the course and it was great to meet some of the young players I had not met before.  Of course I enjoyed seeing many familiar faces and reconnecting with them at the event. We all watched a video from our 2011 Solheim Cup victory! If that doesn't inspire the girls to play hard and get on the 2013 team, I can't imagine what will....wow!

I also want to congratulate Jose Maria Olazabal and the European Team for a fantastic victory. I was rooting so hard for them and it was so inspiring to see them come back from such a big deficit.   It strengthens my belief that in matchplay anything is possible!

Well, I am now back in California enjoying great weather. I have had a bad back all summer, as a bulging disc has kept me from playing golf for over two months. I am finally feeling better and just played two 18 hole rounds. Next month I will compete on the Legends Tour against some of my old friends, which will be great fun.

Until next time  

Lotta