CARLY CUMMINS  Editor  Ladies Golf Today

Carly's blog - news and views on the world of ladies' golf
August 23, 2011

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Rosie Jones names her line-up for the Solheim Cup in September
USA Solheim Cup Team Captain Rosie Jones has announced her players for the 2011 Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle on September 23-25, 2011.
The 12 woman squad competing at Killeen Castle in Ireland is made up of 10 players who have gained automatic spots, these players are (listed in order of points ranking): Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Morgan Pressel, Angela Stanford, Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, Brittany Lincicome, Brittany Lang, Juli Inkster, and Christina Kim.

Jones' two captain picks are Solheim Cup veteran Vicky Hurst and LPGA Tour rookie Ryann O'Toole. Lewis is the only automatic qualifier not to have played for the U.S in 2009.

"This has been an extremely exciting and difficult selection process," said Jones. "I've been tracking these players for more than two years and I feel we have built a fantastic team to represent the United States. Vicky and Ryann are two really solid players who will complement our team as we now focus on our strategy and performance next month at The Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle."

In an interesting twist, assistant captain Juli Inkster has qualified for the team based on points and has agreed to tee it up in her ninth Solheim Cup, making her the first playing assistant captain in Solheim Cup history and the oldest player aged 51.

"I will be a player first and an assistant captain second and Rosie understands that," Inkster said. "I feel like most of my career I've worn two hats as a mom and as a player, but it will be a challenge."
The European Solheim Cup team will be announced by captain Alison Nicholas this Sunday night.

Still looking for somewhere to stay?...
Visit www.solheimcuptravel.com for late deals and availability.

Tried & Tested...

Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid
There's no doubt that the hybrid has revolutionised golf and made the game a lot more fun and forgiving. Gone are the days of struggling to get those hard-to-hit long irons airborne, these invaluable clubs are the must-have weapons in your bag - so if you've not yet replaced your long irons then you should seriously consider a hybrid.

Cobra was one of the originators of the hybrid and their new Baffler Rail is particularly good from tricky lies. A clever four-way rail sole design helps the club to travel through tough turf effortlessly, while the powerful high-strength steel face propels the ball a long way.

There are loft options galore ( 3/H (22°), 4/H (25°), 5/H (28°), 6/H (31°) and 7/H (34°) meaning you can virtually replace any iron in your bag from the 7-iron upwards. And the nice thing is that you can also buy the complementing fairway woods to match.
Price: £129
Contact: 01372 364933, www.cobragolf.co.uk

Stay dry this Autumn
It's that time of year when unfortunately the weather starts to get a little more unpredictable and it's easy to get caught in an Autumn downpour during your round. This elegant Ping Collection waterproof suit is extremely lightweight, has a flattering female cut that is comfortable to wear and allows complete swing freedom while making virtually no noise when you move.

The Cupcake suit is made from a high-tech fabric that's designed to withstand the worst possible weather conditions, keeping you warm, dry and comfortable in harsh conditions. The argyle check comes in two different colours, violet and rose pink, both accented with silver and is available in sizes 6-20.
Price: £72 jacket, £56 trousers
Contact: www.pingcollection.co.uk

Put some sparkle into your game!
Why not support a great cause by clipping one of these dazzling magnetic ball markers to your hat? This eye-catching accessory is designed and handmade from 100% genuine Swarovski crystals by Bonjoc artisans. Proceeds from each Pink Ribbon ball marker will be donated to Birdies for Breast Cancer, a charity founded by LPGA Tour player Cristie Kerr.
Price: £24.95
Contact: www.golfqueen.co.uk

Off on your holidays?
Here's a clever idea to get away with paying through the roof to transport your golf clubs abroad on holiday. Instead of taking two sets of clubs, why not pop your clubs in a smaller, lightweight carry bag and that way you'll be able to squeeze two sets into a travel holdall, paying for just one!

There are plenty of lightweight carry bags on the market but I particularly like this Titleist bag as it weighs less than 1kg but manages to squeeze a lot of practical pockets into a compact space. With a full-length clothing pocket, velour-lined accessories pocket for your valuables, side saddle ball pocket and drinks pouch, the inventors have literally thought of everything. The bottom of the bag is waterproof so that your grips won't get wet if the grass is soaking and there's a hip pad to make carrying more comfy.

Priced at just £43 for the single strap or £50 for the double strap option, you can't really go wrong.
Contact: 01480 301114, www.titleist.co.uk

Stewart Golf launches a ladies bag collection
I've always been an admirer of Stewart Golf trolleys with their innovative and effective design that stands out from the rest. So when I heard they were introducing a ladies collection of bags to complement their trolleys they got a big thumbs up from me.

Stewart Golf's Moda Collection will appeal to the lady who likes to co-ordinate. A stylish yet highly practical golf bag is complemented by a matching valuables bag, sports bag and garment cover. With three distinctive colour designs it doesn't matter whether you opt for the shimmering pink (above right - the Moda Milan bag), baby blue or sophisticated cream and black you'll definitely turn heads on your ladies day.
Price : £249
Contact: 0333 800 1818, www.modagolf.com