 | HELEN ALFREDSSON FACTFILE Born: 9 April 1965, Gothenburg
Turned professional: 1989
Career wins: 19
Solheim Cup: 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002
Other honours: 1989 Rookie of the Year, Captain of Europe's Junior Solheim Cup team in 2003 |
Helen Alfredsson has been named captain of Europe's Solheim Cup team which will bid to regain the trophy in 2007. The 40-year-old will take charge in her native Sweden, with the 10th match against the US taking place at Halmstad Golfklubb from 14-16 September 2007.
"I have so many great memories from the Solheim Cup and to be chosen is such a great honour," said Alfredsson.
"To be the captain at home, back in my own country and so close to where I grew up, is an overwhelming feeling."
Alfredsson made seven consecutive appearances in the Solheim Cup from 1990, the inaugural edition of the transatlantic contest, earning 11 points with 10 wins and two halves from her 24 matches.
"As a captain, I aim to have a positive attitude, put some great pairings together and above all, to have fun," added Alfredsson.
"The girls know what it's all about and they're very competitive - they all want to win just as badly as I do.
"This is the tournament that really raised the profile of women's golf throughout the world and it's amazing to see how it has grown over the years."
Alfredsson is one of the stalwarts of women's golf, with 19 tournament victories in her 16-year career, including one major championship - the 1993 Nabisco Dinah Shore.
She becomes the third Swedish golfer to captain a European team, following Catrin Nilsmark (2003, 2005) and Pia Nilsson (1998).
"Helen has all the credentials we were looking for in a captain," said Karen Lunn, chairman of the European Solheim Cup Committee.
"She was a very popular and successful captain of the PING Junior Solheim Cup Team and was one of the pioneers of women's golf in Sweden.
"She is also a great communicator and is well respected in golf all over the world."
Europe were comprehensively beaten 15�-12� in this year's event at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana.
MMIX
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Helen has all the credentials we were looking for in a captain