Nancy Lopez is America's sixth Solheim Cup skipper

The three-time major winner was in the US team which won the inaugural Solheim Cup - the women's golf equivalent of the Ryder Cup - in 1990.

"I'm thrilled, and thinking about who's going to try and make the team is exciting," said the 46-year-old.

"I know we can get that Cup back."

The Americans have never lost the Solheim Cup on home soil.

But they went down by 17� points to 10� in last year's matches at Barseback Golf and Country Club in Sweden.

A Hall of Famer with 48 LPGA Tour titles and career earnings of more than $5.3m, Lopez played her last full season on the tour in 2002.

She becomes America's sixth Solheim Cup captain following Kathy Whitworth (1990 and 1992), JoAnne Carner (1994), Judy Rankin (1996 and 1998), Pat Bradley (2000) and Patty Sheehan (2002).

"When the Solheim Cup returns to the United States in 2005, there could be no better ambassador of the talent, heart and enthusiasm of the event," said LPGA commissioner Ty Votaw.

"I know her experience as a Solheim Cup competitor and LPGA champion will make her a respected leader, while her emotional connection to the fans and players will make her an inspired one."