It is almost certain that Dale Reid will be the captain when the Europeans go out to retain the Solheim Cup in Minnesota in two year's time.

The Scot, who led her team to a dramatic victory at Loch Lomond on Sunday, said: "I have to admit that I would love to defend it."

Talking in the presence of her team, she added: "It is up to these guys whether they want me back or not"

From the reaction of the 12 happy golfers, Reid is assured of her place.

Quality people

Laura Davies suggested that surrounding herself with quality people and having experience of playing in the Solheim Cup herself were the main qualities that Reid had brought to the job.

"She knows how to have a good time and, as a team, we like to have fun."

Victory also virtually ends calls for the Solheim Cup to become a match between the USA and the rest of the world.

"They kept writing us off, saying that we are not strong enough, but this will surely end talk of adding the likes of Karrie Webb," said Davies.

More sponsors

Indeed, her team-mate, Alison Nicholas, who is vice-chair of the Ladies' European Tour board, suggested: "Hopefully, it will move things along a bit for the European Tour.

"We will get some more tournaments and more sponsors and people will start to believe in us a little bit more."

Tour chief executive Tim Howland added: "A certain golfing magazine had a tombstone on its front cover saying European Tour RIP.

"I think we have proven that we are not dead yet."